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Conspirare--Craig Hella Johnson & Company of Voices

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Conspirare is a nationally acclaimed professional choral organization based in Austin, TX. Conspirare's Company of Voices is comprised of: a professional chamber choir; a symphonic choir of both professional and volunteer singers; and the Conspirare Youth Choirs, an education and performance program for young singers, ages 9-17.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Contact Info

    Conspirare--Craig Hella Johnson & Company of Voices

    1033 La Posada Dr., Suite 130
    Austin, TX 78752

    Phone: (512) 476-5775   |   Email   |   Official Website

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    There are no upcoming events available for this organization at this time.

• Current &
  Upcoming Events

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    There are no upcoming events available for this organization at this time.

• Past
  Events

  • Past Events

    05/04/12- 05/05/12	The Austin Symphony presents: Conspirare The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    06/12/11	Missa Latina "Pro Pace" The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    01/23/11	Renaissance & Response: And Then Came Bach St. Martin's Lutheran Church
    01/22/11	Renaissance & Response: Defining Mastery St. Martin's Lutheran Church
    01/22/11	Renaissance & Response: Buffet Dinner with Wine
    01/22/11	Renaissance & Response: A Flowering in Spain St. Martin's Lutheran Church
    01/21/11	Renaissance & Response: Early Voices St. Martin's Lutheran Church
    12/06/10	CONSPIRARE, Christmas at the Carillon (with Patrice Pike) The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    11/11/10	CONSPIRARE, Big Sing St. Martin's Lutheran Church
    10/03/10	Sing Freedom: African American Spirituals St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
    10/01/10- 10/02/10	Sing Freedom: African American Spirituals St. Martin's Lutheran Church
    06/13/10	Return to the Oracle: A Shining Master The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    06/06/10	Dynamic Convergance:Traveling Shows
    06/05/10	Dynamic Convergance:Traveling Shows University Presbyterian Church
    05/06/10- 05/09/10	The Mystic and The Storyteller: Both Sides Now Multiple Locations
    03/28/10	A Service of Silence, Sacred Music, and Sacred Texts St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
    03/25/10	Rush Hour Big Sing St. Martin's Lutheran Church
    01/08/10- 01/10/10	A New Year’s Conspirare Classic St. Martin's Lutheran Church
    12/11/09- 12/12/09	Conspirare Youth Choirs: Lost in Light St. Martin's Lutheran Church
    12/07/09	Carillion Gala The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    12/03/09- 12/07/09	Christmas at the Carillon with Patrice Pike The Long Center: Michael and Susan Dell Hall
    11/12/09	Rush Hour Big Sing St. Martin's Lutheran Church
    10/05/09	A Time for Life: Dinner & Open Rehearsal The Crossings
    10/05/09- 10/11/09	A Time for Life: Music for the Environment
    06/06/09- 06/07/09	Rock My Soul The Long Center for the Performing Arts

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

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• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    • Event Name: Renaissance & Response: A Flowering in Spain
      "Another amazing performance by Conspirare"
      Review posted by: L Graber from Austin TX USA, Jan 22, 2011
      

      The Saturday evening concert of works by the late-Renaissance Spanish composer Tomas Victoria was delighful. Brilliant polyphony, deeply resonant harmony and innovative melody lines and use of... Expand

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      The Saturday evening concert of works by the late-Renaissance Spanish composer Tomas Victoria was delighful. Brilliant polyphony, deeply resonant harmony and innovative melody lines and use of multiple chorus scoring are characteristics of Victoria. They were all shown to great advantage by the capable singers of Conspirare following the sensitive and artistic interpretation of Craig Hella Johnson. The sonorous harmonies resonated beautifully in the St. Martin's Lutheran Church sanctuary. I experienced an almost meditative atmosphere. I encourage anyone who has an opportunity to hear Conspirare to do so. It would be possible to point out flaws but, since this was the third of four different concerts in three days, the quality of the performance was remarkable indeed. Collapse

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    • Event Name: CONSPIRARE, Christmas at the Carillon (with Patrice Pike)
      "Fun to be a part of the Christmas magic"
      Review posted by: Stephen from Austin, TX, Dec 09, 2010
      

      I was very honored to see the production of Conspirare with special guest Patrice Pike. I had wanted to hear Patrice sing for a few years so I was for sure impressed. I found the sitting for two hours... Expand

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      I was very honored to see the production of Conspirare with special guest Patrice Pike. I had wanted to hear Patrice sing for a few years so I was for sure impressed. I found the sitting for two hours for the show without intermission a bit tough at times but the singing of both Conspirare and Patrice easily made up for it. I was glad I knew most of the songs where the audience sang along and must say that it was the best thing I had seen for getting into the holiday spirit so far. I hope when they return again you get a chance to see the well arranged and clever singing. Collapse

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    • Event Name: CONSPIRARE, Christmas at the Carillon (with Patrice Pike)
      "REAL Christmas Spirit Voiced at Long Center"
      Review posted by: Will Godwin from Austin, TX, Dec 06, 2010
      

      Weaving themes of Christmas (love, hope, forgiveness, oneness) through program, Craig Hella Johnson directs Conspirare's Company of Voices through a well-gathered "collage" of song and lyrics that... Expand

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      Weaving themes of Christmas (love, hope, forgiveness, oneness) through program, Craig Hella Johnson directs Conspirare's Company of Voices through a well-gathered "collage" of song and lyrics that makes this concert at the Long Center very special. I've never experienced thousands of people together be so quiet and together with the artists. Breathing and coughing seemed to be suspended in orchestration with the voices. Conspirare expands what is the spirit of "Christmas" beyond the bounds and constraints that religious doctrine can put on the human soul. They literally give Voice (word and song) to the Soul, the Voice of God perhaps. The ALL GOD'S CHILDREN was particularly moving to a "Boomer" who has particular connection to lyrics in Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On?" and Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock". Patrice Pike did her "The Calling" during this segment. Her link-up with Conspirare brings an energy and spontaneity that is a wonderful mix with this great "Company of Voices". Collapse

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    • Event Name: Sing Freedom: African American Spirituals
      "Glorious Voices"
      Review posted by: Vicki McKain from Austin, TX, Oct 02, 2010
      

      From soft and delicate to bold and powerful the harmonizing voices of Conspirare were beautiful to hear. With the steady layering of voices, single voices were not solo for long. Throughout songs... Expand

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      From soft and delicate to bold and powerful the harmonizing voices of Conspirare were beautiful to hear. With the steady layering of voices, single voices were not solo for long. Throughout songs individual voices would emerge, soar, and absorb back into the choir. The songs were inspiring and poignant. The rendition of "Sometimes I feel Like a Motherless Child" brought a tear to my eyes as well as did some of the others. Other songs were energetic and joyful. All were performed with expression and depth elicited from the choir by Craig Hella Johnson's interpretations of arrangements old and new. A church is a great choice for such a performance and the sound was perfect in St. Martin's. Recommend this show especially to lovers of African American Spirituals and history. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Sing Freedom: African American Spirituals
      "Conspirare!"
      Review posted by: Zelda Austen from Austin, Tx, Oct 01, 2010
      

      There's nothing new in saying that Conspirare is an Austin treasure. I had never heard them before, and for the first fifteen minutes I was simply speechless at the beauty of the sound. They sang... Expand

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      There's nothing new in saying that Conspirare is an Austin treasure. I had never heard them before, and for the first fifteen minutes I was simply speechless at the beauty of the sound. They sang African American spirituals for the entire program, and the tone of plaintive suffering was exquisitely apropos! The Director, Craig Johnson, keeps them in check and restrained at the beginning of the songs, and when the crescendo swells slowly at the end of the piece, you want to cry. The songs were arranged by several 20th century composers, some still living, who have elevated this folk music with African roots to "high art." There were times when I wished for "less art," and wanted the more robust unconstrained sounds of a gospel choir, but that's not what Conspirare does. This is not down to earth, but very elevated and poetic stuff. The director talked about one of the pieces being inspired by a black woman of 19 who was auctioned, and how "it broke her heart." Indeed. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Dynamic Convergance:Traveling Shows
      "Lovely concert"
      Review posted by: Jay Y. from Austin, TX, Jun 09, 2010
      

      Anyone who attended the concert at University Presbyterian could see why Conspirare is Grammy-nominated. Craig Hella Johnson's flawless direction and sound-sculpting held the packed house captive.... Expand

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      Anyone who attended the concert at University Presbyterian could see why Conspirare is Grammy-nominated. Craig Hella Johnson's flawless direction and sound-sculpting held the packed house captive. The first half of the program was quite interesting. They started with a piece that the audience would be familiar with (the Ubi Caritas chant), then switched to something that the audience would not be familiar with (James McMillan's “Cantos Sagrados” - which were some of the most interesting choral songs I've heard in a while), then closed with Brahms' "Geisliches Lied," which is always a crowd-pleaser. The Durufle Requiem was beautifully done, and Keely Rhodes and David Farwig were about as good soloists as you could get for this piece. I for one look forward to the further choral escapades of Conspirare. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Dynamic Convergance:Traveling Shows
      "Bravi Tutti!"
      Review posted by: Katherine Altobello from Austin, TX, Jun 07, 2010
      

      Austin is proud of it’s Grammy nominated vocal group, and rightly so. The night began with the plainsong chant “Ubi Caritas” followed by a proufound poetic reading. Next came the gripping... Expand

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      Austin is proud of it’s Grammy nominated vocal group, and rightly so. The night began with the plainsong chant “Ubi Caritas” followed by a proufound poetic reading. Next came the gripping “Cantos Sagrados” by James McMillan. The agitated phrasing, wild dynamic and tonal shifts, and intense text made for quite an emotional set. Following was Johannes Brahms beautiful “Geisliches Lied". Next was Maurice Duruflé’s “Requiem”, a contemporary French piece that fuses new musical ideas with old chant elements, bringing a mysterious and otherworldly quality. Mezzo-soprano Keely Rhodes, and baritone David Farwig were superb soloists. World-renowned organists Gerre and Judith Hancock were flawless and dynamic in their performance. Conspirare and company, much to the mastering of Maestro Craig Hella Johnson, made for a truly enjoyable and captivating evening. Bravi! Collapse

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    • Event Name: A New Year’s Conspirare Classic
      "Voices and Music 'Wash Over Me'"
      Review posted by: Preston Kirk from Spicewood (Austin), TX, USA, Jan 09, 2010
      

      When I hear Austin’s claim to being the “Live Music Capital,” I think of festivals and clubs and lounges and theatres. Seldom, if ever, do I think of choirs and churches. That all changed... Expand

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      When I hear Austin’s claim to being the “Live Music Capital,” I think of festivals and clubs and lounges and theatres. Seldom, if ever, do I think of choirs and churches. That all changed Friday night when I encountered my first Conspirare concert: “A New Year’s Conspirare Classic” at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church (W. 15th St. ) in Austin. (Two more performances: Sat., 1/9, 8 p.m.; Sun., 1/10, 2:30 p.m. Unfortunately, I missed the pre-concert talk, which will occur again only on Sunday. Fortunately, I sat next to native Austinite Becky Clark, a chorale groupie and aspiring vocalist who raised my appreciation for the choir. Impressive enough is the fact that Conspirare, now in its 18th season, has been nominated five times for Grammy Awards. These 44 voices – a large chamber choir, not symphonic size – are drawn from some of the finest all around the country, and often graciously housed in private Austin homes when they are in town. I expected the impressive sanctuary with (more) Collapse

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    • Event Name: Christmas at the Carillon with Patrice Pike
      "Joyful Noise!"
      Review posted by: Nancy Coy from Austin, TX USA, Dec 09, 2009
      

      This is the third time my daughter and I have made Christmas at the Carillon part of our holiday tradition, and Monday night's concert proved why. The music was absolutely beautiful, with a mix of... Expand

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      This is the third time my daughter and I have made Christmas at the Carillon part of our holiday tradition, and Monday night's concert proved why. The music was absolutely beautiful, with a mix of different genres that all complemented one another. It was a special treat to hear Patrice Pike, the guest musician, duet with Dr. Johnson, as their voices paired up perfectly on a song during the first part of the program dedicated to the theme of searching. The choir never ceases to amaze me with their perfect unison and vocal ability. The fact that they could make the Long Center sound like an intimate music hall certainly attests to their passion and love of this music. We left the theatre ready to start our Christmas celebrations! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Christmas at the Carillon with Patrice Pike
      "To Listen and To Breathe..."
      Review posted by: Jen Coy from Austin, TX USA, Dec 08, 2009
      

      Last night, Dr. Johnson and the Conspirare choir invited the audience to listen and to breath with them. It was a lovely beginning to a hauntingly beautiful program, one which certainly commanded the... Expand

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      Last night, Dr. Johnson and the Conspirare choir invited the audience to listen and to breath with them. It was a lovely beginning to a hauntingly beautiful program, one which certainly commanded the listening attention of its audience and stopped the breath of many in attendance. The sheer technical perfection of this company of voices is, in itself, a marvel. The intricate weaving together of traditional carols, contemporary artists, and classic pieces was another piece of this incredible tapestry. The singers themselves sound like one big voice, and their love of the material is evident. The addition of Patrice Pike's beautifully weathered voice was a welcome one. Her original material blended seamlessly with the choir's voice, and her duet with Dr. Johnson was one of the highlights of the evening. During this busy season, it's nice to be reminded to listen and to breathe. Add to that the sheer beauty of Conspirare, and you have the perfect start to the holiday season. Collapse

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