January 2023

Craig Hella Johnson talk about what a conductor does.

Let’s do some listening! Craig invites you to listen to four different conductors performing J. S. Bach’s Sanctus from his Mass in B Minor, each offering a radically different approach.

Listen and then consider which recording(s) resonates for you. Share your thoughts in the comments section of the video.

Considering Matthew Shepard: The Journey of Healing Continues

Songs from Considering Matthew Shepard, a fusion oratorio composed by Craig Hella Johnson and premiered in 2016 by Conspirare, are being sung by high school, college, and professional choirs across the country and world. A response to the brutal beating and murder of a young gay man, these songs embrace compassion and understanding in the face of violence and injustice. Their message resonates more than ever.

Last week, students in the Chamber Choir and Chorale Tenor-Bass Choir at Vandergrift High School near Austin enjoyed instruction from the composer himself who visited their class. “It was so great to get some fresh perspective to dig deeper into the story to help us connect to the text,” says choir director Michael Zook. The Vandergrift Chamber Choir will perform “All of Us” at the National American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) meeting in Cincinnati and the Chorale Tenor-Bass Choir will perform "Stray Birds" and "We Are All Sons Pt. 1 & Pt. 2" at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) meeting in San Antonio. Learn more about the inspiring journey of Considering Matthew Shepard .

Conspirare Collaborators Garner Big Praise

Recently, several Conspirare collaborators are appearing on the national stage. We are proud to share their achievements!

“Holding Our Breath” by Carlos Cordero and Julie Flanders, composers, will be performed by EXIGENCE Vocal Ensemble at the Kennedy Center on January 31. In 2021 Conspirare premiered the piece as part of our “RE:Genesis” concert. "I was honored to play a role in the birthing of this beautiful expression of empathy,” says Craig Hella Johnson, “and I am delighted that many more listeners will be able to experience this piece.”

ProSoundWeb, a world-wide community for the professional audio industry, recognized Randall L. Squires, audio recording, for innovations he’s made in vocal recording.

Squires oversaw amplification

of Conspirare Christmas 2022, and recorded Earth Ritual , performed last May, and music from this spring’s “The Muse Speaks.” These new Conspirare recordings will be available in the 2023-24 season.

Opera America awarded the Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize to a design team that includes Camilla Tassi, projection designer. Tassi most recently designed projections for Conspirare Christmas 2022 and Margaret Bonds’ Credo.n February last year.

“April Showers,” by Kile Smith, composer, was recently performed by Calliope’s Call. Conspirare performed “April Showers” in 2021’s “Song for Seasons .”

In the Spotlight:

Simone Talma Flowers

The Conspirare board of directors recently welcomed Simone Talma Flowers as a new member. As executive director of Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), Flowers leads work to increase spiritual understanding among people of diverse faiths and engage them in volunteering to repair homes and serve refugees. Originally from Trinidad, Flowers is known for her warm leadership and optimism. She draws inspiration from the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu: “A person is a person through other persons; you can’t be human in isolation; you are human only in relationships.”

Playlist: Music for the New Year

Whether it's a concert, album, or playlist, the beginning sets the tone for what’s to come. Start a new chapter with these first tracks from classic Conspirare recordings. Listen now.

Mark your calendar

The Muse Speaks

Fri., March 31 at 8:00 pm and Sat., April 1 at 4:00 pm

St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701

Purchase your tickets.

Hidden Music: Between Friends

Thurs., May 11, 2023 at 5:30 pm

Distribution Hall, 1500 E. 4th Street, Austin, TX 78702.

An evening of songs featuring Craig Hella Johnson and Isaac Cates and benefitting Conspirare. Reserve your table, seat, or sponsorship. Limited seating!

All times are Central unless otherwise noted.

Ways to support Conspirare

Become part of our Hella Circle with a monthly gift of $10 or more. Benefits at all levels.

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs. Please check with your employer & double your gift.

Thank you to the generous supporters who bring our song to life!

www.conspirare.org I 512.474.5664

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