Conspirare is a professional choral organization entering its 15th performance season under Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson. The group is comprised of three ensembles: the Grammy-nominated professional choir, a symphonic choir (professional/volunteer singers), and the Conspirare Children's Choir (CCC). Johnson's performances and unique and innovative programming for Conspirare have drawn national attention.
Conspirare combines outstanding vocal artistry with innovative programming, creating uniquely dynamic choral art. Conspirare presents an annual concert series in Austin and around Texas and tours nationally. In 2004, Conspirare produced its first commercial studio release, "through the green fuse," recorded at Skywalker Ranch and distributed under the Clarion Records label. Conspirare released its second studio CD, "Requiem," in early 2006. Recorded at Troy Music Hall in Troy, New York, the CD has elicited enthusiastic praise, including two 2007 Grammy Award nominations.
In 2005, the organization received the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence, presented by Chorus America. As one of only seven choruses in the country to receive a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for its American Masterpieces initiative, Conspirare presented "Crossing the Divide: Exploring Influence and Finding Our Voice." The four-day festival last January featured a distinguished gathering of composers and conductors, performances of three world premieres and a gala closing concert with a choir of 600 singers.
In the summer of 2008, Conspirare will perform at the Eighth World Symposium on Choral Music - the only choir from the United States to be invited to join choral ensembles from around the world for the eight-day festival in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Their music can be purchased at their website. Visit conspirare.org for more information.
