Here's what's new at Conspirare this month - focusing on the recent February concerts featuring African-American composer Margaret Bonds' music for voices and piano and Benedict Sheehan's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
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Conspirare's Concerts Honor Black History Month
Our nationwide roster of vocal artists gathered in Austin from February 13-19 for for two concerts: Margaret Bonds: Credo and Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, both featuring a musical setting of W. E. B. Du Bois's Credo. Bonds's setting featured soloists Nicole Joseph and Marques Jerrell Ruff. Ruff would return again to narrate the Credo in the St. John Liturgy. Both concerts are now streaming.
Background and Reflections on the Music
KMFA's Judlyne Gibson previewed the two concerts in her February episode of Staccato (click on the arrow above the post title to listen!). Several of the Bonds' songs featured poetry of Langston Hughes, inspiring Conspirare bass Tim O’Brien’s to reflect on visiting the Langston Hughes archives at Yale University. Musicologist & post-concert talk facilitator Michael Cooper’s post-concert blog The Credo Sounds Again. On Friday and Saturday, composer Benedict Sheehan joined us for the world premiere of his "Credo" movement. His Liturgy Q & A takes a deep dive into his Liturgy.
Projection designer Camilla Tassi, who first joined Conspirare for Path of Miracles, returned the February concerts. Through the her images for the evening of music for voices and piano by Margaret Bonds, Tassi sought "to aid in the accessibility of text, to frame the storytelling of this program - to reflect, to come in community together." With St. John Liturgy of Chyrsostom, her design evoked aspects of the architecture of Orthodox sacred spaces, the revealing of light (in partnership with lighting designer Viera Bizgova), the movement of smoke rising up as incense, of landscape."
Click on the videos following the listener reflections to experience the music and images of these unique Conspirare offerings. Each video is cued up to stream from the beginning of the concert. While you are there, please click the thumbs up if you like what you hear and leave a comment! Stay tuned for future release of the post-concert talks.
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Listener Reflections
“Life-changing. Who else have I not heard because of the color or their skin or gender? Margaret Bond's music was not like anything I've heard before - and yet had flavors of spirituals, gospel, and classical. I want a recording.”
“Keep broadening our horizons. I appreciate all of the experiences I have had the benefit of over the years of attending Conspirare Concerts. Live Music... Thanks.”
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"The Credo commissioned by Conspirare was stunningly beautiful. Highlight of the evening for me. Thank you."
"Loved the lighting, the music was luscious and gorgeous, soloists magnificent. Music at Conspirare concerts is always transporting."
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Conspirare is grateful to our entire family for creating this meaningful week.
Concert image from St. John Liturgy of Chyrsostom, captured by Camilla Tassi. Projection Design: Camilla Tassi; Lighting Design: Viera Buzgova; Silhouettes: Mel Maldonado-Turner
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All times listed are in the Central time zone. Click on underlined links for more information.
Join us for Central Texas' biggest day of giving! This year we invite you to support concert livestreams that helpu us connect with our global Conspirare audience.
More than 70 GRAMMYs across music genres ranging from classical and jazz to R&B, global music and more - including Conspirare's The Singing Guitar nomination category, Best Choral Performance - will be awarded at Premiere Ceremony. Details about the Premiere Ceremony are forthcoming.
Conspirare closes the season the world premiere of Robert Kyr's Earth Ritual. Earth Ritual calls us home to our relationship with the earth. This environmental oratorio for voices and instruments includes texts from several traditions.
This year's Hidden Music will be the most vibrant yet. We’re at Springdale Station, an East Side venue with a relaxed vibe, bringing together long-time supporters and brand new friends for a night of song with Craig Hella Johnson and singer song-writer Matt Alber. Good friends, great food, a gorgeous setting, and an opportunity to see how your generosity sustains Conspirare in 2022 and beyond. We can’t wait to see what magic emerges from the evening.
Contact Natalie Seeboth (nseeboth@conspirare.org) for sponsorship opportunities. More info. coming soon!
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Ambassadors Greg and Veryan Thompsons pause the St. Martin's lobby before Margaret Bonds: Credo. Read more about them in the concert program or on the Featured Ambassador webpage.
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Ambassadors Make It Happen!
Conspirare offers a variety of opportunities for individuals and corporations to join its musical circle through gifts of time, energy, and talent. Our invaluable ambassadors serve at concerts (as ushers, ticket takers, Will Call agents, sales associates, and other concert functions), as well administrative tasks at the Conspirare headquarters.
We are dedicated to making our ambassador program a FUN one! There isn't an orientation or monthly meetings, and no service hour requirements – you can serve as little or as often as you like! Volunteer roles are assigned according to interest and skills and training is provided as needed.
We invite new volunteers who would enjoy meeting the public and contributing to the success of Conspirare's operations. Send House Manager Kathy Leighton (kleighton@conspirare.org) an email to find out how you can be a part of the circle of Conspirare.
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Ways to Support Conspirare |
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Become part of our Hella Circle with a monthly gift of $10 or more. Benefits at all levels.
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Did you know you can add Conspirare to your Amazon Smile account? You can support Conspirare while shopping! |
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Many employers sponsor matching gift programs. Please check with your employer & double your gift.
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Thank You to the Generous Supporters Who Bring Conspirare's Song to Life |
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www.conspirare.org I 512.474.5664 |
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