August 2022

Craig Hella Johnson Recognized by Texas State University

Congratulations to Conspirare's Artistic Director and Conductor Craig Hella Johnson! Dr. Kelly Damphousse awarded Craig the Texas State University Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities at the Fall Convocation on August 29.  The award honors faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding performance and winners are selected as part of a rigorous review process.

Craig has been a member of the Texas State faculty since 2012. His students can often be seen at Conspirare rehearsals and concerts. We are grateful to be part of their education!

A recording of the awards ceremony can be viewed below.

Hear Me Out: A Creative Act for Our Time

Conspirare will open the season with Hear Me Out, a special two concert collaboration with the Miró Quartet that has been over three years in the making. Conspirare commissioned 15 composers to write new songs for our times and their music will be premiered over the two evenings on October 7 and 8. John Largess, Miró Quartet violist, and Craig Hella Johnson share their perspectives on this project in Hear Me Out: A Creative Act for Our Time. Full concert details and composer list on Hear Me Out event page.

Your Time & Talent Brings Conspirare's Song to Life

Conspirare Ambassadors support our mission as ushers, office assistants and additional roles. You're invited to learn more at the Ambassador Recruitment & Recognition Celebration on August 27 from 3:30-5pm at Sala & Betty (5201 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751). We'll celebrate the dedicated service of our Ambassadors and welcome new (and prospective volunteers. Ambassador Coordinator Kathy Leighton and current ambassadors will be on hand to talk about upcoming volunteer opportunities. Thank you to Sala & Betty for hosting us and providing food and drink for everyone. Learn more about ambassador opportunities on the ambassador webpage. Please contact Kathy Leighton for more information and to join the Ambassador team.

The Hope of Loving is Three!

The Hope of Loving celebrated its third birthday on August 9. The GRAMMY®-nominated album album features socially conscious works of Jake Runestad, including the Conspirare-commissioned “Come to the Woods.” Album tracks have been streamed 215,853 times on Spotify since the 2019 release.

All times in Central unless otherwise noted.

Sat., August 27th at 3:30 - 5 pm: Ambassador Appreciation & Recruitment Celebration

Sala & Betty (5201 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751)

Thurs., Sept. 1 at 10 am: Fall concert tickets on-sale to the public at the Fall concert tickets page. (Note: Priority pre-sales for all Hella Circle members and eligible donors begin Tues., August 23, 2022 at 10am Central. Eligible patrons have been sent details. Inquires may be directed to alewis@conspirare.org.).

Fri., October 7 and Sat., October 8 at 8 pm: Hear Me Out 

University Presbyterian, 2203 San Antonio, St. Austin + Livestreamed

Conspirare and the Miró Quartet come together to invoke music’s restorative power, premiering music by 15 diverse composers from across North America.

Mon. December 5 at 7:30 pm: Conspirare Christmas 

Long Center, Austin + Livestreamed

Regional Tour Dates & Guest Artist Announcement coming soon!

Attention Austin-area middle and high school choir directors: If you would to request a singer to work with your choir and then attend Conspirare Christmas with your students, please contact amcnair@conspirare.org.

Each month we highlight a different artist, ambassador, staff or board member from the Conspirare community. This month we are excited to introduce you Meagan O'Neal, our newest staff member who joined us as Executive Assistant to the Artistic Director. Meagan has had a passion for music since she started learning piano at age 4. Since graduating with her Bachelors in piano performance from Concordia University, she has been an active private teacher, performer, and music administrator in the Austin area. 

We asked Meagan a few questions to get to know her.

What was your first Conspirare experience?

My first experience with Conspirare was in 2019 when I went with a few friends to see the Conspirare Symphonic Choir sing Brahms' Requiem with the Austin Symphony. I was completely blown away listening to them sing such a powerful piece of music!

What are you looking forward to in your new role here?  

In general, I'm looking forward to working with an amazing group of colleagues and supporting a mission that really resonates with me. I am especially excited about helping Craig prepare music for concerts, organizing the music library, and supporting those aspects of the creative process.

What was your favorite music in high school?

I listened to (and still do) a lot of pop and indie rock. My most favorite artist is Mitski.