June 2022

Here's what's new at Conspirare this month

Inside Craig's Studio

Enjoy all of this season's Inside Craig's Studio on one playlist! From wild women to musical moments to poetry, we've shared a memorable year together.

News

Credo included on Morning Edition Segment


Pianist Lara Downes included an excerpt from our February performance of Margaret Bonds' Credo in her recent NPR Songs to Believe In segment. Featured on Morning Edition, Lara discusses Credo and offers her musical and historical perspective along with a Juneteenth playlist.

Hella Circle Members Gather for a Special Season Preview


Hella Circle members gathered on June 2 for a special Season Preview at BlackFeather Vintage. Co-Chairs Fran Collmann and Lucy Tiblier reflected on the power of the music and collective impact of this generous community of supporters that has grown to 134 members and generated more than $133,000 in support of Conspirare over the past 12 months. Alto Laura Mercado-Wright joined Craig at the piano for soulful tunes. Thank you to Gusto, Conspirare's Hospitality Sponsor, for the delicious food. 


Learn more about how you can get involved at the Hella Circle homepageJoin today to receive priority ticket ordering for next season!

Compelling Conversation with Conspirare's Artistic Director


Craig Hella Johnson was recently a guest on the Maybe I'm Amazed podcast in an episode titled Craig Hella Johnson on Musical Composition and Deeper Connections episode. Craig and host Dr. James Howell discussed conducting, composing, and deeper connections between music, spirituality, and the world in advance of the Charlotte Master Chorale's performance of Considering Matthew Shepard.



Is your choir performing Considering Matthew Shepard? View resources and register your performance at the Considering Matthew Shepard Project Page.

Mark Your Calendar

Conspirare Season Opener: Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8


Join Conspirare and the acclaimed Miró Quartet  for an ambitious collaboration featuring 15 world premieres written in response to our world. Each evening will feature a unique program - mark your calendar for both nights! Ticket information and additional concert dates are coming soon.

Summer Office Closure July 18-22 


Conspirare will be closed from July 18-22 so that staff can take a much deserved break as we prepare for an exciting Fall!


Look Who's in the Spotlight

Each month we highlight a different artist, ambassador, staff or board member from the Conspirare family. This month we are excited to introduce you to Mel Maldonado-Turner, the Creative Director behind several of this season's concert programs and campaigns through the collaborative marketing partnership between Conspirare and Dialog. Their account and creative teams designed concert campaigns for the 2021-2021 season. 


As noted in her company profile, "Mel’s practice has been notable for crossing media genres, drawing on references from a diverse range of cultural, historical, aesthetic, and technological sources."  We asked Mel a few questions to get to know her!


You were involved in creating this season’s printed program and marketing materials for Path of Miracles, Margaret Bonds: Credo, Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and Hidden Music. Can you tell us about one of your most memorable moments creating these materials?

I loved Craig’s thoughtful selection of music for each concert. Inspiration abounded – every piece held a topic that was unique and, at times, spoke to me personally.

 

The passionate movements of Path of Miracles reflected the spiritual journey that I experienced while trekking El Camino de Santiago de Compostela in my youth. Using the juxtaposition of photos with mountainous terrain allowed me to convey the personal struggle and harmony that can happen on a pilgrimage. The use of icons (crown, compass, shell, etc.) mapped to the movements as well as highlighting a few elements that pilgrims see along the trail.

 

The look and feel for Margaret. Bonds: Credo, Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is one of my favorite designs I’ve created in my career. This concept is based on diversity and equality through Credo by W.E.B. Du Bois. Striking silhouette images of varying gender, age, and race were adjusted in color (equality) to complement the use of ethnic-influenced color palettes and patterns (diversity). Featured quotes from Credo reflect the beauty and deep beliefs that we hold as a community.

 

What was your favorite music in high school?

In high school, my go-to was Duran Duran! In fact, a longtime friend and I look forward to hearing them (our sixth time to see them together since 1999) at the Hollywood Bowl in September. Sometimes it’s about staying young at heart, right?


We are grateful to Mel and the entire Dialog team for their support!


ICYMI: Concerts on Demand

Conspirare concluded the season with the world premiere of Robert Kyr's Earth Ritual. Enjoy it now on YouTube.

Ways to Support Conspirare

Become part of our Hella Circle with a monthly gift of $10 or more. Benefits at all levels.
Did you know you can add Conspirare to your Amazon Smile account? You can support Conspirare while shopping!
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs. Please check with your employer & double your gift.
Thank You to the Generous Supporters Who Bring Conspirare's Song to Life
www.conspirare.org I 512.474.5664
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