August 2021
Here's what's new with Conspirare this month
Inside Craig's Studio
Naomi Shahib Nye's poem "Kindness" is online.
News
Fall Concert Tickets On Sale in September

Ticket sales for fall concerts Path of Miracles and Conspirare Christmas with guest artist Isaac Cates & Ordained open on Monday, September 13 at noon. Priority ticket sales begin Tuesday, September 7 at noon for eligible patrons. Concert dates are listed below; visit concert information for complete details and ticket purchase links.

Meet Isaac Cates, this year's Conspirare Christmas guest artist, in this video announcement from Craig.
Matthew Shepard Foundation to Honor Craig Hella Johnson

The Matthew Shepard Foundation will recognize Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson with the Dennis Dougherty Award at their annual gala on Saturday, October 9, 2021. The Dennis Dougherty Award is named in memory of a loving, generous and inspiring member of the MSF family. Dennis was a friend, mentor, philanthropist and visionary who was instrumental in giving the Foundation a strong beginning and a vision for the future. In honor of Dennis’ passion and aspirations for what the Foundation could and later would become, this award is given to those who have played an essential role in the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s growth and integrity.  

You can learn more about Considering Matthew Shepard on the project page and view the Considering Matthew Shepard performance documentary.
Close to You Now Available for Advance Purchase!

Close to You will be released on September 10. Reserve your copy today for free shipping! Close to You features Conspirare and Craig Hella Johnson in a program curated especially for the versatile Conspirare singers and the Carillon Chapel. Enter closetoyou in the coupon code field at checkout; offer expires September 9 at 11:59 pm. While you are shopping, enjoy 50% off on recent releases The Singing Guitar, Hope of Loving, and Sing Joy .
CHJ Choral Series Featured in Hal Leonard's Voices of Distinction

Hal Leonard's new Voices of Distinction highlights new music in the Craig Hella Johnson Choral Series from Kile Smith, RE:Genesis prizewinners Julie Flanders & Carlos Cordero and Brian Newhouse & Kyle Pederson, and Craig himself! This catalog provides choral directors with a wide selection of music for high school, collegiate and community choirs – including works for mixed, women’s and men’s ensembles – along with a wealth of choral resources. Conspirare premiered many of the works in the CHJ Choral Series.
Mark Your Calendar
Friday, September 10: Close to You (Carillon Christmas 2019) Release

Monday, September 13: Fall Concert Tickets on sale to public

Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16 in Austin, TX: Path of Miracles
Conspirare returns to the concert stage with Path of Miracles, Joby Talbot's captivating musical depiction of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Preview Conspirare's Path of Miracles recording on CD or your favorite streaming platform.
 
Monday, December 6 in Austin, TX and Sunday, December 5 in Victoria, TX (Presented by the Victoria Bach Festival): Conspirare Christmas
This year's guest artist is Isaac Cates & Ordained, the dynamic Kansas City based-Gospel choir known for their blend of sacred and secular choral sounds with modern Gospel and other musical genres. Livestream date to be announced.
Postponed: Ambassador Recognition & Recruitment Celebration
Previously scheduled for Thursday, September 9. Watch for a new date in a future newsletter. Learn more about our ambassadors anytime at the ambassador webpage.
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 one of our Conspirare Concierge, Ali Lewis. 

In your own words, what is your job at Conspirare?
I am the Concierge. Not only do I open daily mail, process donations, and do all things administrative, I get to oversee the box office. My music industry career began in the box office, I am very happy to make my way back into familiar territory.

How did you get involved with Conspirare?
Choral directors have used recordings of Conspirare as an example of the optimal choir sound since as long as I could remember. I discovered Conspirare when searching for an internship to complete my degree in Music Industry at Oklahoma State. My dear friend, Martha Beaty was involved in CYC and shared Conspirare with me! I am forever grateful for this discovery.
 
What role does singing play in your life?
Singing to me is happiness. If I am not singing a little ditty or any song that pops in my brain then that means times are rough!
 
What was your favorite song in high school?
My favorite choral song in High School was "Song to the Moon" by Z. Randall Stroope. I remember this song being one of the first times I felt true emotion while singing. I owe my choral journey to Dr. Stroope and miss making music with him and my colleagues every day.  
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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