Monthly Note | October 2023

Craig celebrates our 30th anniversary with two poems and a musical selection.

This month Craig celebrates our 30th anniversary by sharing two poems and a musical selection.

Listen in to Our New Podcast

Join host Max Horowitz as he delves into the stories of the artists and music on House of Belonging, Conspirare's newest musical release. The first installment of the podcast series features John Largess of the Miró Quartet, with future episodes interviewing composer Shara Nova and Craig Hella Johnson, Conspirare's artistic director.

Listen now.

Lift Your Voice with Conspirare

Conspirare's vision as a "21st Century Choir" includes opportunities for everyone to sing songs of peace, belonging, and healing. We believe if you can breathe, you can sing! Here are some ways you can join Conspirare's company of voices:

Conspirare Symphonic Choir - Auditioned choir of professional and volunteer singers who perform great choral masterworks and new music. This choir will reconvene in the spring. Learn more.

Conspirare Artist Citizen Choral Collective – This new choir gathers local educators and singers to co-create a choral culture through exploring a variety of music and vocal sounds, community involvement, engaging rehearsals, and high-level performance.

Big Sing - Our community singing events offer everyone the wonderful sense of belonging that comes from singing together. Craig Hella Johnson conducts a program of songs selected around a theme while the Conspirare Symphonic Choir lends their voices. Learn more about the next Big Sing on December 14th.

Color Your World Beautiful!

Sara Hickman’sTexas Musicians Coloring Book Vol. 2 is now available! 44 glorious Texas Musicians are hand-drawn including Craig & Conspirare,George Strait, Spoon, and Lizzo. Proceeds will benefit Rescue One More. Order your coloring book here or purchase in Austin at Black Pearl Books.

Welcome to André Trahan, Assistant to the Artistic Director

What should Conspirare friends and family know about you?

Bonjour à tous! I am a native of Louisiana and a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana and Louisiana State University where I completed my graduate work in choral conducting. My background is in music education and sacred music. Most days you can find me in the gym lifting heavy things and having a blast. I also enjoy being outdoors and spending time with friends here in Austin.

What attracted you to Conspirare and your position as assistant to the artistic director?

I have always been an admirer of Conspirare. I first met Craig Hella Johnson for a performance of Considering Matthew Shepard at LSU. We reconnected recently, and I jumped at the opportunity to work with him and help the mission of Conspirare. I admire his understanding of what it means to be human and how we connect with each other through music.

What are you listening to right now?

Like many of my colleagues, I am ankle-deep in Christmas music at the moment. I have been listening to past Conspirare Christmas recordings to get a feel for the flow of production and content. Don’t forget to get your ticket for this year’s performance!