|
Noteworthy | November 2017
|
As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded of the shared moments in music, generous contributions, and endless support that we receive from our artists, audiences, donors, and Ambassadors. We are grateful for the ways that you enable us to bring choral music to the Austin and international stage
 |
|
via
recordings and tours. In turn, Conspirare generates outreach efforts, helping to build connection through the
Healing for the Heart program and free
Big Sing! events. We look forward to bringing together our audiences' hearts for the upcoming
Holiday Big Sing! event as well as
Conspirare Christmas with singer and songwriter Carrie Rodriguez; we are delighted to offer a sneak peak of that concert through the
Concert Conversation dining event at Gusto later this month. Celebrate the season with Conspirare Youth Choirs'
Breath of Heaven, learn about
Craig's Artist-in-Residence status at Texas State, and make plans to join us for this spring's
Hidden Music gala. We invite you to please come celebrate and connect with us in this time of gratitude!
|
|
|
|
CONSPIRARE CHRISTMAS WITH CARRIE RODRIGUEZ
The Beloved Holiday Concert Tours December 7-14 with Stops in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Victoria.
Fall in love with Christmas all over again at
Conspirare Christmas
. This joyful celebration of songs to renew our souls and unite our hearts tours to four Texas cities in December.
Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson's compelling blend of musical styles, including classical, folk, pop, world, and seasonal favorites, will be performed by special guest
Carrie Rodriguez
and Austin's Grammy® award-winning choir, Conspirare.
Johnson recently shared his thoughts on this year's program, commenting, "We love the people we get to sing for every December
. It feels like this great coming together, and we always feel that our listeners are the most responsive and engaged anywhere across the country." Rodriguez remarked on the collaboration, saying,
"Working with Craig has been such a joy! Not only has he kept me laughing and smiling throughout all of our collaborative meetings, but he has also blown me away with his musical and artistic vision for this soulful program. I've been so inspired by the creative process that I've almost forgotten that the best is yet to come...singing with Conspirare!
I truly cannot wait."
Craig Hella Johnson and Carrie Rodriquez will offer a special sneak peek of the program during a ticketed
Conspirare Christmas tours Texas with return performances in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Victoria. Victoria Bach Festival Executive Director Nina DiLeo remarked, "Conspirare
Christm
as has become a beloved holiday tradition in Victoria
and communities across Texas including Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. The Conspirare Christmas program elicits a strong
emotional response from listeners. Its message of love and connection is a beautiful start to the holiday season." Conspirare's Austin performance venues include The Long Center (including special pre-concert caroling by Conspirare Youth Choirs), the Carillon on Exposition, and an outreach performance at the Travis County Correctional Center.
CONSPIRARE CHRISTMAS TEXAS TOUR DA
TES
AUSTIN
SAN ANTONIO
VICTORIA (presented by the Victoria Bach Festival):
HOUSTON (presented by St. Luke's UMC):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conspirare Youth Choirs:
Breath of Heaven
Our young artists, under the direction of Nina Revering, will amaze you with their extraordinary artistry and present an enriching holiday experience to share with the entire family.
The stunning voices of our brilliant singers will usher in your holiday season in beauty. Join us to hear Benjamin Britten's beloved Ceremony of Carols, interspersed with other favorites of the British choral tradition including Purcell, Rutter, Blake, Page, and Parry.
Dec 1 & 2 | 7:30pm | Adults $15 | Student $10 | Ages 6-17 $6 | Ages 5-Under Free
University Presbyterian Church
|
Ringing in the Season with the Holiday Big Sing!
On the heels of a successful, well-attended, and beautiful
Big Sing! focused on coming together, we offer another free, fun, no-pressure, holiday group singing experience for you, your friends, neighbors, and family.
Join audience members as they learn basic vocal technique and sing as one with hundreds of others to celebrate the season.
Craig Hella Johnson leads the
Big Sing!
gathering in vocal warm-ups and short, melodic songs that can be easily learned. As musical hosts,
Conspirare Symphonic Choir
members are among the audience to sing along and provide musical support and encouragement.
The
Big Sing!
is open to everyone, regardless of musical training and experience, and song sheets are provided.
Musical selections at
Big Sing!
events range from familiar rounds, spirituals, and Beatles songs to popular 20th century standards from the Great American Songbook. Johnson hand-picks music for each
Big Sing!
--including favorite holiday classics for this November's event. You'll be delighted, thrilled, and encouraged, inspired by music, connection, and the joy of the season.
Big Sing!
is made possible by the Rachael and Ben Vaughan Foundation.
November 28 | 5:30pm | Free!
St. Martin's Ev Lutheran Church
|
|
|
Get up close and personal with Craig and Carrie at Concert Conversation
Enjoy an exquisite meal by Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar while Craig and featured artist Carrie Rodriguez share their artistic vision for
Conspirare Christmas 2017. At this exclusive, limited seating event, experience delicious food, beautiful music, and a glimpse into this year's Christmas concert! Menu will include:
- Fall Salad of roasted beets, orange supremes, and haricot verts with candied walnuts, goat's milk feta cheese, and vinaigrette
- French-cut chicken breast with saffron rice pilaf and arugula or (vegan) stuffed roasted Italian pepper with saffron rice and eggplant caponata over arugula
- Flourless chocolate torte with orange liqueur whipped cream, toasted hazelnuts and assortment of fresh berries or (vegan) berry sorbetto
Nov 28 | 11:30am-1:30pm
Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
We're looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming performances and events!
November
28th | 5:30pm |
Holiday Big Sing! | St. Martin's Ev Lutheran Church | Austin
28th |
Concert Conversation: Conspirare Christmas with Craig and Carrie | Gusto
Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar | Austin
December
Conspirare Youth Choirs:
Breath of Heaven
1st | 7:30pm | University Presbyterian Church | Austin
2nd | 7:30pm | University Presbyterian Church | Austin
Conspirare Christmas with Carrie Rodriguez
7th | 7:30pm | First United Methodist Church | Victoria
8th | 7:30pm | Saint Luke's United Methodist Church | Houston
9th | 8:00pm | The Carillon | Austin - SOLD OUT
10th | 7:30pm | The Tobin Center | San Antonio
11th | 7:30pm | The Long Center | Austin
13th | 8:00pm | The Carillon | Austin - SOLD OUT
14th | 8:00pm | The Carillon | Austin - SOLD OUT
February
2nd | 8:00pm |
The Poet Sings: Dashon Burton with Craig Hella Johnson | Jessen
Auditorium,
Homer Rainey Hall, UT Campus | Austin
Considering Matthew Shepard: Encore Performances 2018
21st | Dallas City Performance Hall | Dallas
25th | Lied Center for the Performing Arts | Lincoln, NE
27th | Ford Center for the Performing Arts | Oxford, MS
Save the date for Hidden Music: April 19 at Brazos Hall! Details below.
Look for more details and Spring '18 events on
our website
.
|
|
|
|
|
New Release in Time for the Holidays!
Beautiful City: Conspirare Christmas 2016
Conspirare's 2016 Christmas album featuring West Coast singer and songwriter Matt Alber is being released on
December 1st
!
Recorded live at the Carillon Chapel in Austin, Texas, as part of the Conspirare Christmas series, Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson, Conspirare, and singer-songwriter Matt Alber take listeners on an inspiring and reflective journey transcending any conventional holiday program. Beautiful City incorporates seasonal favorites including Jingle Bells and The Christmas Song, pop ballads Africa (Toto) and Breakable (Ingrid Michaelson), among a variety of folk, traditional, and classical selections. Conspirare invites you to open your heart and mind to the thought-provoking experience that is Beautiful City.
Visit our
online shop, and be one of the first to re-visit this magical concert. Also available digitally.
(At Right: Matt Alber)
Love Again, One Voice, Unclouded Day, and Singing Heart
Love Again
,
One Voice
,
Unclouded Day
, and
Singing Heart
are available for downloads on
our website
.
|
|
|
New Conspirare Connections Video Feature: Off Stage with Craig!
Learn about the behind-the-scenes artistic endeavors of Craig Hella Johnson
|
|
| Craig as Artist-in-Residence at Texas State University |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hidden Music
A Gala to Support Conspirare
Expect the unexpected during this breath-taking evening that weaves a tapestry of extraordinary and magical singing. Join us for this much-beloved Conspirare signature event offering refreshing, not-to-be-missed musical moments in an atmosphere of warm friendship on April 19, 2018.
Cocktails, the show, and dinner are at the intimate and delightful Brazos Hall, and opportunities for table sponsorship are available.
We'd like to thank and recognize our 2017 sponsors and invite you to be a part of our 2018 circle. Your presence and participation in this event supports us in creating music that is the instrument of change and connection. Thank you!
2017 Hidden Music Sponsors
$10,000
Eva & Marvin Womack
Jolynn & Gregory Free with Robin & Malcolm Cooper
South Texas Money Management
$5,000
Fran & Larry Collmann
Bill Bednar & Flo Ann Randle
Trish & Bob Karli with Nancy & Randy Baden
Debe & Kevin McKeand
Susanne Tetzlaff & Eric Tiblier with Linda & Nick van Bavel
Susanna & Richard Finnell with Ozden Ochoa
Jeanne & Van Hoisington with Brenda & Larry Smith
Richard Hartgrove & Gary Cooper
Joni Wallace
Red Bird Foundation
Joyce & Ken Beck with JP & Monica O'Sullivan, Per Stirling
Steve & Daphne Pyhrr
$3,000
Wendi & Brian Kushner
Lynne Dobson & Greg Wooldridge
Karin Richmond with Greg & James Bryant
Ginger & Michael Blair
Beverly Dale with Lee Manford & Casey Blass
Laura Pinto, Frost Bank
Elizabeth & Jerele Neeld
Jeanmarie & Scott Rust with Elizabeth & Duff Stewart
Eric Copper, Austin Portfolio Real Estate
Cameron Lockley, Gusto Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Tricia & Chris Yost
Janis & David Claflin
Beverly Dale with Lee Manford & Casey Blass
Matthew Shepard Foundation
April 19 | 5:30-9:30pm
|
|
|
|
Resonating in Our World
Conspirare reaches out to the women at
the Travis County Correctional Complex
"
We are here to hold up a mirror
so that you can see
your radiance
and brilliance...
"
-Craig Hella Johnson at the Travis County
Correctional Complex, September 26, 2017
Since 2014, Conspirare has been sharing the restorative and transformative powers of music and connection with
women
inmates at the Travis County Correctional Complex.* Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare singers perform concerts as part of Conspirare's season and also offer smaller ensemble performances created especially for this audience. Singers Shari Alise Wilson and Laura Mercado-Wright joined Craig Hella Johnson and Paula D'Arcy this September for the two-session series "Healing for the Heart." They shared songs from Annie Lennox, Sinéad O'Connor, John Lennon, and others-pieces curated for their inspirational, comforting, and dialogue-inspiring qualities.
Beyond offering a personal concert experience, the outreach blends the voices of all through the audience's responses and revelations of hopes, remembrances of losses, and visions of freedom and the future. The discussion with the audience follows each piece and is facilitated by author and speaker Paula D'Arcy of the Red Bird Foundation, an organization dedicated to the growth and spiritual development of those in need. With the echo of each song still resonating, the discussions offer time to reflect on lyrics, respond to the surfaced emotions, and expand upon themes of nurturing, redemption, change, and hope. One powerful impact of this outreach, as identified by several
women
who attended both concerts in this series and exemplified from their quotes and sentiments (above), is that memories of the songs and conversations sustain feelings of well-being, carrying attendees through contemplative time and group discussions long after the concert's end. The outreach serves as a reminder that, as those in the audience voiced, this is a season of life, a passing season, where hope remains in the changes to come.
*Conspirare's jail outreach is made possible through the support of the Shield-Ayres and Burdine Johnson Foundations. We are profoundly grateful for their contributions.
|
|
Ambassador Spotlight:
Michel Kennel
This month we're featuring the contributions of Michel Kennel. After joining the Symphonic Choir two years ago, Michel decided to become a production volunteer. Learn more about her journey and how to become a production, administrative, concert, or host Ambassador on our
|
|
Conspirare Values Its Sustaining Supporters
Launched to celebrate 25 years of Conspirare's
artistry, Hella Circle is a community of supporters
who believe in the transformative power of music.
Inspired by the visionary performances, recordings,
and special projects of Craig Hella Johnson and
Conspirare, Hella Circle members are joined
by their commitment to sustained support of
Conspirare's next 25 years and beyond, and we are immensely grateful for their dedication.
Your Hella Circle gift helps bridge the gap between earned
income and expenses. You create financial predictability
that allows Conspirare to produce imaginative and bold
performances that inspire and connect audiences. You
also make possible outreach and education opportunities,
including Big Sing! and jail programming, that weave the
music and spirit of Conspirare into the community.
Your contribution:
- Brings Conspirare's music to the widest possible audience
- Awakens in others a passion for, and knowledge about, choral music
- Sustains world-class artistry and organizational vibrancy
|
For more information, please visit our
Donate Page
or
contact Marianne DeLeon, our Chief Development Officer, at 512.476.5775
or at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
|
| J.P. and Monica O'Sullivan |
|
Donor Spotlight: J.P. and Monica O'Sullivan and Per Stirling
This season we recognize the wealth and portfolio management firm Per Stirling and John Per ("J.P.") and Monica O'Sullivan, valued contributors whose generous support helps sustain Conspirare.
Driven by a "client first" philosophy
and guided by the leadership of Managing Director John Per O'Sullivan and Director Robert Stirling Phipps, Per Stirling was founded in 2009 with the goal of creating a firm focused on bringing fiduciary standards to the advisor/client relationship. In doing so, the firm exemplifies commitment and integrity, as evidenced by its selection as finalist in the 2017 Recognize Good® Ethics in Business and Community Awards. A regular participant in charity events, including the recent Honduras Good Works Top Golf Chip-In, J.P. and the organization value giving back as well as supporting their clients' financial goals.
Quoted in
The Wall Street Journal
,
Dow Jones Newswire
, and
Thompson Reuters
, the partners and advisors of Per Stirling are at the forefront of their field, knowledgeable of the investment landscape as it shifts, and monitoring trends. They develop detailed understanding of clients' specific goals, and the firm offers an array of services including targeted planning for retirement, taxes, education, and cash flow. Portfolio management services are as unique and varied as the financial objectives of the clients and include both custom-designed portfolios managed by personal advisors and company-sponsored growth portfolios.
They offer strategies for asset protection, charitable giving, and wealth transfer in addition to risk and benefits analysis and customized portfolios.
|
|
Conspirare's Season Sustaining Underwriter
_____________________________________________________
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank You to the Following Public Funding Agencies
|
|
|
