April 2022
Here's what's new at Conspirare this month
Inside Craig's Studio
News
Conspirare Attends the 2022 Grammy Awards

A group of Conspirare artists, staff, board and guests gathered to attend the 64th GRAMMY® Awards in Las Vegas on April 3. Conspirare's album The Singing Guitar was a Best Choral Performance nominee, representing the 10th nomination for Conspirare's albums. Alto Ana Baida reflected that "It was magical. It is the kind of thing you dream about... and when I was there I just was so aware of how grateful I am to be a part of this family of musicians." Kathlene Ritch, soprano, recalled seeing Conspirare Bass Simon Barrad and Alto Sarah Brauer walk into the Premiere Ceremony after their trip down the red carpet and observed "They were practically floating." After several hours it was finally time for the Best Choral Performance category. Everyone was was listening intently as the nominees were announced. Ultimately the GRAMMY was awarded to our incredible colleagues at the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, Los Angeles Master Chorale, National Children’s Chorus & Pacific Chorale and Los Angeles Philharmonic for their recording of Mahler: Symphony No. 8, Symphony Of A Thousand.

It is truly an honor to be nominated and everyone enjoyed connecting with fellow nominees. Attending the ceremony is a truly singular experience - creating an opportunity to come together with musicians from around the world to celebrate the diversity of music-making and its power to change the world. Conspirare is grateful to each of your for your support as co-creators.

You can still view the Best Choral Performance Category presentation and the GRAMMY program book.

Conspirare's nomination in the news:
The Conspirare GRAMMY entourage pauses after the Premiere Ceremony on April 3. From left to right: Lara Harlan, Kathlene Ritch (soprano), Craig Hella Johnson (Artistic Director), Phil Overbaugh, Robert Harlan (board member and bass), Sarah Brauer (alto), Kendall Walshak (production assistant), Ana Baida (alto), Simon Barrad (baritone),  Estelí Gomez (soprano), Carol Williams (board member), Ann McNair (Managing Director). Not pictured: Andreas Meyer (Producer) and Mela Sarajane Dailey (Soprano).
In Conversation about Austin and Music

Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson was recently invited to share more about his experience in the Austin music scene and Conspirare in a blog and podcast. They are a great way to go behind the scenes of Conspirare's music-making from Craig's perspective.

On New Music USA's Different Cities Different Voices – Austin blog, Craig was one of several Austin musicians who share their story of coming to and living in Austin. Different Cities Different Voices explores music communities across the US through the voices of local creators and innovators. Read Craig's story and those of our fellow Austin musicians to get a sense of the richness of our local music scene.

International Orange Chorale Artistic Director Zane Fiala and SF Chorister Giacomo DiGrigoli interview Craig Hella Johnson in the current episode of InUnison podcast:
Painting on a canvas of breath - Craig Hella Johnson. The conversation covers everything from a Munch's "The Scream" to Conspirare's origins as a festival to current happenings.
Hear the fascinating background story of the development and co-creation of Earth Ritual.
 
Zoom with us on Thursday, April 28 at 1 PM Central for an Earth Ritual pre-concert talk with composer Robert Kyr, soprano Awet Andemicael and Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson. Audience questions are encouraged! FREE, reserve your spot at Earth Ritual Pre-Concert Conversation.
Mark Your Calendar
Thurs., May 5 at 1 pm Central Earth Ritual Pre-Concert Conversation

Fri., May 6, 2021 at 8 pm Earth Ritual - live and livestreamed!
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.

Wed., May 18 at 10 am Central; replay Fri., May 20 at 8 pm Central Choral Hour This month's choral hour features Benedict Sheehan's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, including a recording or the recent world premiere performance by Conspirare of the commissioned Credo movement. Streaming on KHFM.

Thurs., May 19 at 5:30 pm Hidden Music to benefit Conspirare
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. Contact Natalie Seeboth (nseeboth@conspirare.org) for sponsorship opportunities.
ICYMI: Concerts on Demand
Its a beautiful April day to listen again to Kile Smith's April Showers! Enjoy this song cycle for singer quartet and piano...it will get you moving!
April is National Poetry Month! We invite you to enjoy Margaret Bonds' settings of poetry by Langston Hughes, performed as part of February 2022's I Believe concerts. Musical selections and texts available in concert program beginning on PDF p. 5.
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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