Discover music you’ve never heard before. Christmas December 6, 7:30pm First United Methodist Church, Victoria

December 7, 7:30 pm St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Houston

December 8 & 9, 8:00pm The Carillon on Exposition, Austin

December 10, 7:30pm Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin

December 11, 7:30pm Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio

Craig Hella Johnson Artistic Director & Conductor Ruthie Foster & Matt Alber Special Guest Artists Thomas Burritt Percussion Mitch Watkins

Season Sustaining Underwriter

Performance Sponsors ® Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts

Sustainers

LEGACY OF SOUND 2

1 1 Welcome, friends! We are thrilled you are here. Conspirare Christmas represents a coming together of the most delightful kind: a shared journey through music. As we celebrate Conspirare’s 25th Anniversary, we are especially excited to welcome back two previous Christmas guest artists who are deeply cherished: Ruthie Foster and Matt Alber. Cynthia Clawson was our very first guest artist and for ten years, together we shaped a framework for Touched by an Angel these concerts that still resonates today. We wanted to create a feeling of intimacy; a circle of singing and listening that could be both We, unaccustomed to courage concert and community gathering. We wanted to acknowledge a sense of what was exiles from delight moving through our world with honesty and courage. At the same time, we wanted coiled in shells of loneliness to always return to the most important message of the season, no matter what until love leaves its high holy temple our tradition — to love one another and to awaken with each other to our fullest and comes into our sight experience of life. We wanted to sing from our hearts and explore a broad spectrum to liberate us into life. of musical styles, signaling our aspirational hopes that we can grow deeper into inhabiting. These original commitments in those first Christmas programs still feel alive and vibrant today. Love arrives and in its train come ecstasies We have been fortunate to sing with some extraordinary guest artists: Eliza Gilkyson, old memories of pleasure Patrice Pike, John Boutte, Carrie Rodriguez, Mela Dailey, Charles Wesley Evans, Kathlene Ritch, and many other gifted members of our ensemble. Each of our ancient histories of pain. collaborators has inspired us with new ideas and fresh perspectives as we’ve explored Yet if we are bold, the ancient call to return to Love and remember our soul’s freedom and value. love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls. A few of our company members including Kathlene Ritch, Carr Hornbuckle, Rick Gabrillo, and Robert Harlan have been singing since the early years of this program, and we have welcomed many new artists into the Conspirare Christmas family. It We are weaned from our timidity brings us great joy that many members of our audience who were with us in those In the flush of love’s light early years are still with us today. We feel such a depth of gratitude to see this we dare be brave audience family growing with new friends each year. And suddenly we see From my conversations with our Conspirare family of artists and listeners, I sense that love costs all we are there is a deep longing for authentic connection. I have long felt that choir is a unique and will ever be. place for this coming together, and particularly this choir of extraordinary singers from Yet it is only love around the country who have very special stories to share. Perhaps, though, the most which sets us free. special aspect of this cherished concert series is YOU. I always feel this most strongly – Maya Angelou when we join in singing together — when we feel your breath and hear your sounds. Thank you for being co-creators of this musical journey. What began as three concerts in a small chapel has grown to include performances in Austin’s Long Center and many years of performances with friends in San Antonio, Houston, and Victoria. A good number of you travel from places as far away as Minnesota and California! We know for many of you, this will be your first experience with us. We are delighted to be together with all of you this holiday season.

With love,

2 3 PROGRAM This concert is dedicated to our luminous friend and passionate partner Jeanie Wyatt.

Please refrain from applause except where indicated by +++++++++++++++

OPENING ROYAL GATHERING I Remember Sky/ Ha-lo Chochma tikra /Hebrew Chant Come to the Table Dave Frey, Ben Glover, O salutaris hostia Pierre de la Rue Ben McDonald O Key of David Chant Eternal Source of Light Divine, HWV 74 George Frederick Handel Hollow Talk/The Big Unknown Anders Rhedin, David Hughes, Fridolin More Love Kevin Siegfried Nordsoe, Jannis Noya Makrigiannis/ Baby I Love You Ronnie Shannon Bottom of the River Eric Richard Holljes / How Sweet It Is Eddie Holland, , Ian Christian Holljes and Brian Holland Border , Mountain Jason Gray Woke Up This Morning (Freedom) Reverend Robert Wesby PLACE AT THE TABLE We’re Blessed Fred Hammond Tree of Life Litany Craig Hella Johnson Every Valley/Come unto him all ye G.F. Handel +++++++++++++++ that labor (from Messiah) Lean on Me Bill Withers COME LOVE, CAROLING Angel Be Craig Hella Johnson O Come, All Ye Faithful John Francis Wade Maya’s Prayer for Peace Tom Trenney Hark the Herald Angels Sing Charles Wesley Maybe It’s Time (A Star is Born) Bradley Cooper Lullaby, Holy Child Polish Carol Welcome Home Ruthie Foster Gift Song Craig Hella Johnson Some Children See Him Alfred Burt +++++++++++++++ It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Meredith Wilson, arr. Julian Neel Christmas Dreaming Irving Gordon, Lester Lee REUNION Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane TaReKiTa Reena Esmail Angels We Have Heard on High Traditional French Carol Reunion Eliza Gilkyson Silent Night Franz Guber Stray Birds Craig Hella Johnson Love Me Tender Elvis Presley, Vera Matson CLOSING Those Tender Words Ivo Antognini Go Light Your World Kathy Troccoli Turn the World Around Harry Belafonte, Robert Freedman, We Clasp the Hands/ , arr. Craig Hella Johnson arr. Mark Hayes I Could Have Danced All Night

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4 5 TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS Please refrain from applause except where indicated by +++++++++++++++ Hollow Talk Echoes start as a cross in you OPENING Trembling noises that come too soon Spatial movement which seems to you : I remember sky… Resonating your mask or feud Ha-lo Chochma tikra, u-t’vunah titayn kola Hollow talking and hollow girl Force it up from the root of pain Never said it was good, Isn’t it Wisdom calling and Understanding raising her voice? (Proverbs 8:1) Never said it was near Ashrei Adam shomay-a li Shadow rises and you are here

Silence seizes a cluttered room Happy is the one who listens to me. Light is shed not a breath too soon – Proverbs 8:34 Darkness rises in all you do Standing and drawn across the room (Can’t we stop hurting each other, gotta stop hurting each other) Spatial movements are butterflies Shadows scatter without a fire O salutaris hostia O salutaris hostia There’s never been bad O Saving victim opening wide There has always been truth Quae caeli pandis ostium. Muted whispers of the things she’ll move The gate of heaven to all below. Bella premunt hostilla; And then you cut Our foes press on from every side; You cut it out Da robur, fer auxilium. And everything Thine aid supply, The strength bestow. Goes back to the beginning – St. Thomas Aquinas – Anders Rhedin, David Hughes, Fridolin Nordsoe, Jannis Noya Makrigiannis

O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel; Ahh…. qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: Veni, veni Emmanuel! veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, Captivum solve Israel sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis. Qui gemit in exsilio – The Great Antiphons Privatus Dei Filio – O Antiphons O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; (I’m tired; oh so tired...) you shut and no one can open: Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

6 7 The Big Unknown Bottom of the River Only love could bring us Hold my hand Bring us to this bitter plane Ooh, baby, it’s a long way down to the bottom of the river Only one of us Hold my hand Who’s gonna walk away Ooh, baby, it’s a long way down, a long way down Here in the deep below If you get sleep or if you get none That only darkness really knows The cock’s gonna call in the morning, baby I’m hoping for a humble seed to grow Check the cupboard for your daddy’s gun No, I won’t surrender to this hard hearted night Red sun rises like an early warning Though I know the sun’s gonna bring the palest of light The Lord’s gonna come for your first born son And all that remains is everything has gone His hair’s on fire and his heart is burning This life is mine so I’ll carry on So go to the river where the water runs Wash him deep where the tides are turning I’m just trying to hold on And if you fall I’m falling in the dark below If you fall I feel I’m falling in the big unknown Hold my hand Here in the deep below Ooh, baby, it’s a long way down to the bottom of the river I will rise Hold my hand I will rise again Ooh, baby, it’s a long way down, a long way down A humble seed will grow The wolves will chase you by the pale moonlight – Stuart Matterton Drunk and driven by a devil’s hunger Drive your son like a railroad spike Into the water, let it pull him under Don’t you lift him, let him drown alive The good Lord speaks like a rolling thunder Let that fever make the water rise And let the river run dry And I said Hold my hand Ooh, baby, it’s a long way down to the bottom of the river – Eric Richard Holljes, Ian Christian Holljes

Distant cousin from down the line Brand of people who ain’t my kind Holy Moses I have been removed

I’m going back to the border Where my affairs, my affairs ain’t abused I can’t take any more bad water I’ve been poisoned from my head down to my shoes – Elton John, Bernie Taupin

8 9 those with no hope PLACE AT THE TABLE those who sleep in the wind

Tree of Life Litany (for the Living Human Family) presente All that a heart has to hold All that its border encloses She’s my sister, let us live in peace Deep in its chambers protect Our names and our colors and countries every door open – Craig Hella Johnson every door open

body of light no more harm body of light no more any harm to any no harm to them any more speak in the tongues of the Tree of Life body of light body of light souls of the people of the Book branches of voices swaying

presente every valley every valley souls of all women of the world all in presente all in

souls of all people everywhere of color speak in the tongues of the Tree of Life Holy Moses, let us live in peace Holy Moses, let us live in peace souls of the children, always our children Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain blossoms and hill made love. fragrance of little names in the air The crooked straight and the rough places plain.

presente Let us live in peace. – Michael Dennis Browne souls of those with no home of those only ever on the road Come unto Him, all ye that labor. And ye shall find rest.

souls of the Dreamers Give me your tired, your poor souls of the people of the caravan Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free The wretched refuse of your teeming shore presente Send these the homeless tempest-tost to me He’s my brother, let us live in peace I lift my lamp beside the golden door! – Emma Lazarus souls of all our queer people sisters brothers sister brothers

presente 10 11 Call me if you need a friend Lean on Me Sometimes in our lives Call me, call me, uh-huh We all have pain, we all have sorrow. Call me when you need a friend But if we are wise, Call me if you ever need a friend We know that there’s always tomorrow. – Bill Withers

Lean on me when you’re not strong I am my sister’s keeper, I am my brother’s keeper I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on Love is the Vine, we are the branches For it won’t be long ‘Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on. Holy Spirit, peace divine, Still this restless heart of mine… Speak to calm this tossing sea, Stayed in your tranquility. Please swallow your pride If I have things you need to borrow Angel Be For no one can fill those of your needs Which angel will tell us That you won’t let show. That life goes on Which angel will come You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand And lift the stone from the tomb We all need somebody to lean on. I just might have a problem that you’ll understand, Shall you for me We all need somebody to lean on. Will I for you The angel be Lean on me when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend I’ll help you carry on Which angel will show us For it won’t be long How to endure life ‘Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on Which angel gives us eyes That can see the fruit in seed You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand We all need somebody to lean on. Shall you for me I just might have a problem that you’ll understand, Will I for you We all need somebody to lean on. The angel be

If there is a load Which angel opens ears You have to bear That comprehend mysteries That you can’t carry Which angel lends us wings I’m right up the road That we may look upon our heaven I’ll share your load If you just call me. Shall you for me Will I for you The angel be – Wilhelm Wills, transl. Howard Burkett

Children, go where I send thee… Go where I send thee…

12 13 Maya’s Prayer for Peace Maybe It’s Time (A Star is Born) Father, Mother, God, Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die Thank you for your presence Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die during the hard and mean days. It takes a lot to change a man For then we have you to lean upon. Hell, it takes a lot to try Thank you for your presence Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die during the bright and sunny days, for then we can share that which we have Nobody knows what waits for the dead with those who have less. Nobody knows what waits for the dead And thank you for your presence Some folks just believe in the things they’ve heard and the things during the Holy Days, for then we are able they’ve read to celebrate you and our families Nobody knows what awaits for the dead and our friends. For those who have no voice, I’m glad I can’t go back to where I came from we ask you to speak. I’m glad those days are gone, gone for good For those who feel unworthy, But if I could take spirits from my past and bring ‘em here we ask you to pour your love out You know I would in waterfalls of tenderness. Know I would For those who live in pain, we ask you to bathe them Nobody speaks to God these days in the river of your healing. Nobody speaks to God these days For those who are lonely, we ask I’d like to think he’s lookin’ down and laughin’ at our ways you to keep them company. Nobody speaks to God these days For those who are depressed, we ask you to shower upon them When I was a child, they tried to fool me the light of hope. Said the worldly man was lost and that a Hell was real Dear Creator, You, the borderless Well I’ve seen Hell in Reno sea of substance, we ask you to give to all the And this world’s one big old Catherine wheel world that which we need most—Peace. – Maya Angelou Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die It takes a lot to change your plans And a train to change your mind Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die Oh, maybe it’s time to let the old ways die – Bradley Cooper

14 15 Welcome Home See the trembling girls, When my mind didn’t know how to get there Hear their desperate cries Trusted my heart, and I swear On the sickening swells, My soul came to welcome me home Look into their eyes But they can’t go back I keep trying to get there To what they’ve left behind I been trying to get there Going anywhere I keep trying to find my way home And they cry to us I keep trying to get there On our distant shore I been trying to get there And we cover our ears I keep trying to find my way home Til they cry no more And we don’t even know Welcome We were longing for (keep on trying to get there) Welcome Reunion (keep on trying to get there) Reunion Welcome – Eliza Gilkyson (keep on trying to get there) Welcome Stray birds of summer come to my window – Ruthie Foster to sing and fly away. And yellow leaves of autumn, +++++++++++++++ which have no , flutter and fall there with a sigh. REUNION THE world puts off its mask of vastness to its lover. TaReKiTa It becomes small as one song, Dha ta re ki ta as one kiss of the eternal. – Reena Esmail – Rabindranath Tagore

Reunion Love me Tender On the grey blue seas Love me tender Neath unforgiving skies Love me sweet You can see them there Never let me go See the fall and rise You have made my life complete Of their pitiful boat And I love you so Drifting on the tides Towards anywhere Love me tender Love me true All my dreams fulfilled For my darlin’ I love you And I always will

16 17 Love me tender Everlasting Light Love me long Let me be your everlasting light Take me to your heart Sun when there is none For it’s there that I belong I’m a Shepard for you And we’ll never part And I’ll guide you through Let me be your everlasting light Love me tender Love me true Let me be your everlasting light All my dreams fulfilled I’ll hold and never scold For my darlin’ I love you In me you can confide And I always will When no one’s by your side Let me be your everlasting light Love me tender Love me dear Oh baby, can’t you see? Tell me you are mine It shining just for you I’ll be yours through all the years Loneliness is over Till the end of time Dark days are through They’re through Love me tender Love me true Let me be your everlasting light All my dreams fulfilled A train going away from pain For my darlin’ I love you Love is the coal And I always will That makes this train roll – Elvis Presley and Vera Matson Let me be your everlasting light – Ruthie Foster Those Tender Words These tender words we say to one another Turn the World Around Are stored in the secret heart of heaven; We come from the fire, living in the fire One day like rain, they will fall and spread, Go back to the fire, turn the world around And our mystery will grow green over the world. We come from the fire, living in the fire – Rumi Go back to the fire, turn the world around

I’d like to see the world for once We come from the water, living in the water All standing hand in hand Go back to the water, turn the world around And hear them echo through the hills We come from the water, living in the water For peace through out the land Go back to the water, turn the world around I’d like to teach the world to sing – William M Backer, Roger F. Cook, Roquel Davis, We come from the mountain, living on the mountain Roger Greenaway Go back to the mountain, turn the world around We come from the mountain, living on the mountain Go back to the mountain, turn the world around

18 19 Water make the river, river wash the mountain More Love O we have found a lovely vine Fire make the sunlight, turn the world around In this valley blooming Heart is of the river, body is the mountain Whose blossoms shoot and primes fruit Spirit is the sunlight, turn the world around That’s beautiful and cheering We are of the spirit, truly of the spirit Only can the spirit turn the world around More love, more love We are of the spirit, truly of the spirit The heavens are blessing Only can the spirit turn the world around More love, more love The angels are calling Do you know who I am? More love Do I know who you are? See, we one another clearly Its verdant branches spread so wide Do we know who we are? It shades the meek and lowly Its dazzling light does shine so bright Oh, oh, so is Abatiwaha It truly fills the valley Ah, so is life – Harry Belafonte, Robert Freedman More love….

+++++++++++++++ We’ll plant it, we’ll sow it, and ever day grow it.

ROYAL GATHERING More love…

Come to the Table The angels are calling more love. We all start on the outside – Shaker, adapted The outside looking in This is where grace begins Baby, I Love You We were hungry, we were thirsty If you want my lovin’ With nothing left to give If you really do Oh the shape that we were in don’t be afraid baby Just when all hope seemed lost Just ask me Love opened the door for us You know I’m gonna give it to you Oh and I do declare Come to the table I want to see you with it Come join the people who have been restored Stretch out your arms little boy, Take your place inside this Loving You’re gonna get it Sit down and be set free Cause I love you Come to the table ain’t no doubt about it – Dave Frey, Ben Glover, Ben McDonald Baby I love you, Eternal Source of Light Divine I love you, I love you Eternal source of light divine I love you, baby I love you With double warmth thy beams display, And with distinguished glory shine, To add a luster to this day. – Ambrose Phillips

20 21 If you feel you want to kiss me How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) Go right ahead I don’t mind How sweet it is to be loved by you All you got to do is How sweet it is to be loved by you Snap your fingers and I’ll come running I needed the shelter of someone’s arms and there you were I ain’t lying, I ain’t lying I needed someone to understand my ups and downs I heard you once little boy and there you were You know you got it With sweet love and devotion I’d deny my own self Deeply touching my emotions Before I see you without it I want to stop and thank you baby I love you I want to stop and thank you baby Ain’t no doubt about it How sweet it is to be loved by you Baby I love you, I love you, I love you How sweet it is to be loved by you I love you, baby I love you I close my eyes at night And wonder what would I be without you in my life Someday you might want to run away Everything was just a bore And leave me sittin’ here cryin’ All the things I did seems I’d done ‘em before But if it’s all the same to you baby But you brighten up for me all of my days I’m gonna stop you from sayin’ goodbye With a love so sweet in so many ways Baby I love you I want to stop and thank you baby Baby I need ya I want to stop and thank you baby Said I want ya How sweet it is to be loved by you Got to have you baby How sweet it is to be loved by you Don’t let your neighbors You were better to me than I’ve been to myself Tell you I don’t want you For me, there’s you and nobody else – Ronnie Shannon I want to stop and thank you baby I want to stop and thank you baby How sweet it is to be loved by you How sweet it is to be loved by you How sweet it is to be loved by you – Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Brian Holland

Mountain A single stone will make a ripple in the river But a few in a row make a path Many stones can Build a bridge Make a wall On their own they’re not much at all You and I are a lot like that

Cause together we’re a mountain A force to be reckoned with A city we’re building higher Higher

22 23 Steady like a kick drum Woke Up This Morning Foundation we can lean on I woke up this mornin’ with my mind From the roots to the rooftops My mind, it was stayed on freedom We can’t build it alone I woke up this mornin’ with my mind Cause on our own we’re stones My mind, it was stayed on freedom

But together we’re a mountain I woke up this mornin’ with my mind Mountain My mind, it was stayed on freedom Together we’re a mountain Hallelu, Hallelujah We’re a, we’re a mountain Together we’re a Walkin’ and talkin’ with my mind Mountain My mind it was stayed on freedom I was walkin’ and talkin’ with my mind So let the rain fall down My mind, it was stayed on freedom Let the wind blow too Let the trouble come I was walkin’, I was talkin’, talkin’ with my mind We won’t be moved My mind, it was stayed on freedom Together we’ll never be conquered Hallelu, Hallelujah Together our love is stronger Standing by your side Thinkin’ and movin’ with my mind We won’t be moved. . . My mind, it was stayed on freedom Oh, thinkin’ and movin’ with your mind Cause together we’re a mountain My mind, it was stayed on freedom A force to be reckoned with A city we’re building higher Hallelujah! The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Higher Walk, walk, walk, walk Steady like a kick drum Walk, walk, walk, walk Foundation we can lean on (With my mind on freedom) From the roots to the rooftops Walk, walk, walk, walk We can’t build it alone Walk, walk, walk, walk Cause on our own we’re stones (With my mind, my mind on freedom) Hallelujah But together we’re a mountain I met my brother on the street Mountain He had a smile on his face Together we’re a mountain With his mind on freedom We’re a, we’re a mountain Now I met my sister on the street Together we’re a mountain She had a smile on her face Mountain And her mind on freedom Together we’re a mountain Hallelu, Hallelujah (Together we’re a, together we’re a) – Reverend Robert Wesby We’re a, we’re a mountain

Mountain – Jason Gray

24 25 Our hearts have felt the glory of the coming of the time Late in the midnight hour When law and right and love and might shall make our land sublime, God’s gonna turn it around When mount and hill and rock and rill with freedom’s light will shine, It’s gonna work in your favor As Truth comes marching On. SHOUT UNTO GOD

Glory, glory, hallelujah! We’re blessed in the city… Glory, glory, hallelujah! Glory, glory, hallelujah! Shout unto God As Truth comes marching on. With the voice of triumph – Suffrage song by L. May Wheeler Let’s sing and rejoice For this Love is great I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free…. let’s celebrate, say... – Fred Hammond Hallelujah. I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free…

We’re Blessed Blessed. Free. Whole. One. Love. Blessed We’re blessed in the city +++++++++++++++ We’re blessed in the field We’re blessed when we come and when we go COME LOVE, CAROLING We cast down every stronghold Sickness and poverty must cease AUDIENCE PLEASE STAND AND SING: For the devil is defeated We are blessed O Come, All Ye Faithful O come all ye faithful / Joyful and triumphant Since thou has walked uprightly O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem / Come and behold Him As a light in a dark land Born the King of angels Since thou has placed in thy heart All the Lord’s commands O come, let us adore Him / O come, let us adore Him He’s set thee above nations O come, let us adore Him / Christ the Lord and cast thine enemies away He’s standing up within thee Sing choirs of angels / Sing in exultation So let me hear you say O sing all ye citizens / Of Heaven above Glory to God / O glory in the highest We know that God’s word is clothed in truth and righteousness O come, let us adore Him / O come, let us adore Him We are His children O come, let us adore Him / Christ the Lord and with our heart we do confess – John Francis Wade, trans. Frederick Oakley

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! the herald angels sing / Glory to the new-born King Peace on earth and mercy mild / God and sinners reconciled Joyful, all ye nations, rise / Join the triumph of the skies With angelic host proclaim / Christ is born in Bethlehem Hark! the herald angels sing / Glory to the new-born King 26 – Charles Wesley 27 AUDIENCE PLEASE BE SEATED. Some Children See Him Some children see Him lily white, Lullaby, Holy Child The infant Savior born this night. Lullaby, Sweetest Child, diadem fairest Some children see Him lily white, Sleep holy child With tresses soft and fair. Thou of all pearls the rarest Some children see Him bronzed and brown, The Lord of heav’n to earth come down. Lullaby, Jesus Child, Some children see Him bronzed and brown, Sweet be thy sleeping. With dark and heavy hair.

Mary is tenderly watch Some children see Him almond-eyed, O’er thee keeping. This Savior whom we kneel beside. – Transl. Ella Hjertaas Roe Some children see Him almond-eyed, With skin of yellow hue. Gift Song Some children see Him dark as they, Heart, heart, heart how you long to be Sweet Mary’s Son to whom we pray. Hope, hope, hope how you dream to be Some children see him dark as they, Deep, deep, deep in this circle And, ah! they love Him, too! Of love The children in each different place Sweet, sweet, sweet are the songs we sing Will see the baby Jesus’ face Leaves, leaves, leaves of the living tree Like theirs, but bright with heavenly grace, Hold, hold, hold all the joy And filled with holy light. Of this love O lay aside each earthly thing And with thy heart as offering, Wide wide wide is the circle Come worship now the infant King. Where we all gather together ‘Tis love that’s born tonight! And bless, bless, bless all this miracle – Wihla Hutson Love It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Share, share, share every gift we bring It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Home, home, home is the memory Ev’rywhere you go And see, see, see with the eyes Take a look in the five-and-ten Of this love Glistening once again With candy canes and silver lanes aglow Wide, wide, wide is the circle... Wide, wide, wide is the circle... It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – Michael Dennis Browne Toys in ev’ry store But the prettiest sight to see Is the holly that will be On your own front door

28 29 A pair of hopalong boots and a trumpet that toots Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Is the wish of Barney and Ben Have yourself a merry little Christmas Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk Make the Yuletide gay Is the hope of Janice and Jen From now on your troubles will be miles away, oh And mom and dad can hardly wait for school to start again Here we are as in olden days It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Happy golden days of yore, ah Ev’rywhere you go Faithful friends who are dear to us There’s a tree in the Grand Hotel They gather near to us once more, ooh One in the park as well The sturdy kind that doesn’t mind the snow Through the years we all will be together and If the fates allow It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Hang a shining star upon the highest bough, oh yeah, oh Soon the bells will start And have yourself a merry little Christmas now, oh, oh And the thing that will make them ring – Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane Is the carol that you sing Right within your heart AUDIENCE REMAIN SEATED AND SING: – Meredith Wilson Angels We Have Heard on High Christmas Dreaming Angels we have heard on high I’m dreaming of a place tonight of a place I love, Sweetly singing o’er the plains Even more than I usually do… And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains And although I know it’s a long road back, I promise you… Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! I’m doing dreaming – Traditional A little early this year No sign of snow around Silent Night And yet I go around Silent Night / Holy Night Hearing jingle bells ringing in my ear All is calm / All is bright Your promise must be the reason Round yon virgin / Mother and child The happy season is here Holy infant so tender and mild So I’m doing my Christmas dreaming Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace A little early this year – Joseph Mohr So I’m doing my Christmas dreaming A little early this year – Irving Gordon, Lester Lee

30 31 CLOSING Carry your candle, run to the darkness Seek out the hopeless, deceived and poor Go Light Your World Hold out your candle for all to see it (This little Light of Mine) Take your candle, and go light your world Take your candle, and go light your world This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine Hold out your candle for all to see it Take your candle, and go light your world Gonna take this light around the world – Kathy Troccoli I’m gonna let it shine Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine We Clasp the Hands We clasp the hands of those that go before us, This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… and the hands of those who come after us. – Traditional Spiritual We enter the little circle of each other’s arms and the larger circle of lovers, whose hands are joined in a , There is a candle in every soul and the larger circle of all creatures, Some brightly burning, some dark and cold who move also in a dance… There is a Spirit who brings a fire to a music so subtle and vast that no ear hears it Ignites a candle and makes His home Except in fragments… – Wendell Berry Carry your candle, run to the darkness Seek out the helpless, confused and torn I Could Have Danced All Night And hold out your candle for all to see it On Christmas night we hear the angels singing… aTake your candle, and go light your world Take your candle, and go light your world I could have danced all night… And still have begged for more Frustrated brother, see how he’s tried to Light his own candle some other way Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright… See now your sister, she’s been robbed and lied to Still holds a candle without a flame I could have spread my wings and done a thousand things I’ve never done before So carry your candle, run to the darkness Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn Gloria… And hold out your candle for all to see it Take your candle, and go light your world I’ll never know what made it so exciting Take your candle, and go light your world Why all at once my heart took flight

‘Cause we are a family whose hearts are blazing I only know when he began to dance with me So let’s raise our candles and light up the sky I could have danced, danced, danced Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus All night. Make us a beacon in darkest times –

+++++++++++++++ “The Lesson” from AND STILL I RISE: A BOOK OF POEMS by Maya Angelou, copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou. Used by permission of Random House, an imprint and division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.”

“Touched by an Angel” Maya Angelou poem used with permission by Caged Bird Legacy, LLC. 32 33 ABOUT RUTHIE FOSTER ABOUT MATT ALBER

In the tightknit musical community of Austin, “I was transported to Texas, it’s tough to get beautiful, treacherous away with posturing. emotional terrain.” You either bring it, – Stephen Holden, or you don’t. The New York Times

If you do, word gets around. Praises are sung. And one day, you find Portland-based, two-time Grammy® award-winning singer/, yourself duetting with , or standing onstage with the Matt Alber is thrilled to join Conspirare for Christmas this season. Allman Brothers at New York’s Beacon Theater and trading verses with He is fresh off a nationwide tour with Craig Hella Johnson performing . You might even wind up getting nominated for a Best the role of Matthew in Considering Matthew Shepard, and sharing his Grammy® three times in a row. And those nominations story with over 3,000 students in cities across the nation along the way. would be in addition to your seven Blues Music Awards, three Austin Matt also appears on the PBS/KLRU broadcast production of recorded Music Awards, the Grand Prix du Disque award from the Académie at Austin’s Moody Theater currently airing nationwide. Matt’s songs have Charles-Cros in France, and a Living Blues Critics’ Award for Female been featured on the ABC television series The Fosters and Bones and Blues Artist of the Year. he has released five studio . His most recent is a Big Band tribute to Mel Tormé entitled How High The Moon, benefitting the El Sistema Ruthie’s latest record is Joy Comes Back, produced by Austin producer youth music program. He also appears on several Conspirare albums and former neighbor Daniel Barrett. Ruthie pours the heartache of including Beautiful City, Singing Heart, and Something Beautiful. family fracture and the cautious hope of a new love into the ten tracks, along with some help from , Willie Weeks, Joe Vitale and Matt has been selected as an artist diplomat of the US State Department Warren Hood. to teach and perform in six countries and has been presented by Lincoln Center, Tchaikovsky Hall and stages across the globe. As a There’s only one Austinite with that résumé: Ruthie Foster. filmmaker, Matt focuses on the stories of LGBTQ+ youth and families. His current film and docu-series,Room To Grow, chronicles the lives of 12 LGBTQ+ teens and families. To learn more and help fund the series, visit: www.moreroomtogrow.org and www.mattalber.com.

34 35 SINGERS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS SINGERS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS Soprano Tenor

Anna Christofaro Mela Sarajane Dailey Julie Keim Gitanjali Mathur Cole Blume* Todd . Brennan Carr Hornbuckle Michael Jones (Minneapolis, MN) (Austin, TX ) (Washington, DC) (Austin, TX) (Eugene, OR) (Austin, TX) (San Antonio, TX) (Philadelphia, PA)

Stefanie Moore Kathlene Ritch* Shari Alise Wilson David Kurtenbach Dana Wilson (Los Angeles, CA) (Santa Fe, NM) (Austin, TX) (San Francisco, CA) (New Orleans, LA)

Alto Bass

Ana Baida Sarah Brauer Pam Elrod Huffman Laura Drayton Eggleson Charles Wesley Evans Rick Gabrillo* Robert Harlan (Atlanta, GA) (Portland, OR) (Dallas, TX) Mercado-Wright* (Sycamore, IL) (Washington (Round Rock, TX) (Austin, TX) (Austin, TX) Crossing, PA ) Percussion Guitar

Elizabeth Petillot Keely Rhodes (Bordeaux, France) (Austin, TX) *Denotes section leader Tim O’Brien John Proft Thomas Burritt Mitch Watkins (Austin, TX) (Austin, TX) (Austin, TX) (Austin, TX)

36 37 ABOUT CONSPIRARE Now celebrating its 25th In 2008, Threshold of Night (music by Tarik O’Regan) also received two nominations, including Best Classical Album. The 2009 PBS television Anniversary Season, special “A Company of Voices: Conspirare in Concert” received the Conspirare is a Grammy® Grammy Award nomination for Best Classical Crossover, and Pablo Neruda: award–winning and The Poet Sings was nominated for Best Choral Performance in 2016. Conspirare’s “astonishing” (Bay Area Reporter) 2012 recording internationally recognized of works by Samuel Barber includes two new arrangements for chamber choir with a reputation choir and orchestra by Robert Kyr. In Europe, Harmonia Mundi’s for “expanding the re-release of Requiem in 2009 won the Netherlands’ prestigious 2010 boundaries of choral Edison Award. In 2015, Path of Miracles was awarded the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik in Germany. Conspirare represented the U.S. performance” at the Eighth World Symposium on Choral Music in Copenhagen in 2008, (Wall Street Journal). joining invited choirs from nearly 40 countries. In 2012, the group was invited to France for six performances at the Polyfollia Festival and a public concert in Paris. In 2016, the Olavsfestdagene festival, in Trondheim, Conspirare, which translates from Latin as “to breathe together,” is led by Norway, presented the group in a collaboration with the internationally founder and Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson, and is comprised of acclaimed ensemble Trondheimsolistene. soloists from around the country. Conspirare’s extensive discography includes 11 releases on the Harmonia Mundi label. The 2014 album Conspirare has performed throughout the U.S., including appearances as a The Sacred Spirit of Russia won the Grammy for Best Choral Performance. featured choir at the American Choral Directors Association annual confer- Conspirare’s ambitious mission is to engage the power of music to change ence and regional ACDA conventions. At home, Conspirare performs a full lives. Through its artistic excellence, creative programming, commissioning, annual season in Austin and Central Texas where it has received ongoing and educational endeavors, the organization has established itself as an recognition from local organizations and critics. Artistic Director Craig Hella agent of change and a bedrock of the Texas arts community and beyond. Johnson was named Texas State Musician. The group is also committed to an ongoing outreach program which includes free community Big Sings Conspirare’s current touring project, Considering Matthew Shepard, and performances at Travis County Correctional Facility. In 2013, Conspirare is a three-part oratorio composed by Craig Hella Johnson. The work, which became a Resident Company of Austin’s Long Center for the Performing debuted at number four on Billboard’s Traditional Classical Chart, is an Arts. Conspirare is a growing organization, and while known for the flagship evocative and compassionate musical response to the murder of Matthew vocal ensemble, the organization also boasts the Conspirare Symphonic Shepard. The Washington Post calls the impact “immediate, profound Choir (a large auditioned ensemble that performs works for chorus, often and, at times, overwhelming.” The album received a Grammy nomination. with instrumental ensemble), the Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, and Conspirare debuted Considering Matthew Shepard in Austin in 2016, and Conspirare Youth Choirs, an educational program made up of three choirs presented the work at Boston Symphony Hall and Texas A&M in 2016-17. (Prelude, Kantorei, and Allegro) under the direction of Nina Revering. The work is being presented as part of a national tour in 2018.

Conspirare has commissioned works from wide-ranging composers including David Lang, Tarik O’Regan, Jocelyn Hagen, Donald Grantham, Eric Whitacre, Nico Muhly, Mark Adamo, Robert Kyr, Jake Heggie, and Eric Performing Note Banks. A commitment to new music and willingness to showcase a broad Conspirare has the privilege of performing in a variety of beautiful venues that best context through diverse programming is evident from the first recording in enhance choral performances. While our performing venues and the text of some of 2004. Through the Green Fuse features a Gaelic hymn, African-American our repertoire may be representative of specific traditions, it is in no way intended to spirituals, and works by Sibelius, Stephen Foster, Eric Whitacre, among exclude any individual whose experience or set of beliefs is not represented. Conspirare others. Green Fuse was followed in 2006 by Requiem (works by Howells, respects and celebrates the great diversity of religious, artistic, and human experiences Whitacre, and Pizzetti) which received two Grammy Award nominations. represented among our singers and audience members. The audience creates the space in which the music is held. 38 39 As Conspirare’s founder and A composer and arranger, Johnson works with G. Schirmer Artistic Director, Johnson Publishing on the Craig Hella Johnson Choral Series, featuring specially selected composers as well as some of his own original assembles some of today’s compositions and arrangements. His music is also published by finest singers to form a Alliance Music Publications. Johnson’s pieces are in high demand world-class ensemble. by choirs across the United States who also commission his work. Johnson is also music director of the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble and conductor emeritus of the Victoria Beloved by audiences, lauded by critics and Bach Festival. He has served as guest composers, and revered by musicians, Johnson is conductor with Austin Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Oregon Bach Festival, Harvard University and known for crafting musical journeys that create many others in Texas, the U.S. and abroad. Through these activities, as deep connections between performer and listener. well as Conspirare’s many recordings on the internationally distributed [PIAS]harmonia mundi label, Johnson brings national and international recognition to the Texas musical community. Johnson’s first concert-length compositionConsidering Matthew Beloved by audiences, lauded by critics and composers, and revered Shepard was premiered and recorded by Conspirare for a 2016 by musicians, Johnson is known for crafting musical journeys that create CD release. The Bay Area Reporter wrote: “Considering Matthew deep connections between performer and listener. A unique aspect Shepard is a deeply American piece, performed with utter dedication of Johnson’s programming is his signature “collage” style: marrying by performers for whom it was composed. But its universality lies in music of many styles from classical to popular to create moving the fact that it could be performed by many others – and must be, for experiences. The Wall Street Journal has praised Johnson’s ability to all our sakes.” “find the emotional essence other performers often miss.” Composer and collaborator Robert Kyr has observed that “Craig’s attitude toward Johnson’s accomplishments have been recognized with numerous creating a community of artists… goes beyond technical mastery into awards and honors. Notably among them, he and Conspirare won a that emotional depth and spiritual life of the music.” 2014 Grammy® for Best Choral Performance, Chorus America granted him the Michael Korn Founders Award for Development Johnson was Director of Choral Activities at the University of Texas of the Professional Choral Art in 2015, and the Texas State at Austin from 1990-2001 and remains an active educator, teaching Legislature named him Texas State Musician for 2013. Other honors workshops and clinics statewide, nationally, and internationally. In fall have included 2008 induction into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame, 2012 he became the first Artist-in-Residence at Texas State University Chorus America’s 2009 Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action School of Music. and Entrepreneurial Zeal, and the 2011 Citation of Merit from international professional music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon. Johnson studied at St. Olaf , the Juilliard School, and the University of Illinois, and earned his doctorate at Yale University. 40 41 Season Sustaining Underwriter Board of Directors Artistic & Administrative Staff Nancy Lesch, Chair Craig Hella Johnson Robert Harlan, Vice Chair Artistic Director Tricia Yost, Treasurer William C. Bednar, Secretary Ann McNair Ken Beck Managing Director 2018/19 Corporate Sponsors Mark W. Bierner Marvin J. Brittman Marianne DeLeon Mary Anne Connolly Chief Development Officer Susanna Finnell Rick Gabrillo Sandy Fivecoat Sustainers & Major Donors Marcus Cruz Sanchez Associate Conductor Joni Wallace Robert Harlan LEGACY OF SOUND 2 Production Consultant Advisory Board Stephen Aechternacht Foundation Supporters Sam Henderson John Aielli Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation Bloomberg Philanthropies Office Manager & Sue Barnes The Burdine Johnson Foundation Eva & Marvin Womack Foundation Conspirare Concierge Mark Bierner James K. Ferguson Foundation Keating Family Foundation Ray Brimble Kodosky Foundation Lola Wright Foundation Natalie Howard David Claflin Rachael & Ben Vaughan Foundation Red Bird Foundation Conspirare Youth Choirs Manager Tom Driskoll Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Virginia Dupuy Ben R. King Restaurant Partners Maydelle Fason Production Assistant JoLynn Free Billy Gammon Meri Krueger Public Agency Sponsors Vance George Artist Relations Helen Hays Dan Herd Jaime Leighton William B. Hilgers Production Administrator Wayne Holtzman This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department. Judith Jellison Kathy Leighton Media Sponsor Bob Murphy House Manager Lynn Murphy Cliff Redd Jane Ramirez In-Kind Sponsors Gayle Glass Roche Business Manager Nancy Scanlan Angela Smith Nina Revering Bernadette Tasher Conspirare Youth Choirs Director Outreach Partners Louann Temple Eva Womack Nathan Thompson Midge Woolsey Production & Operations Intern 42 43 We thank every individual, foundation, business, and government agency for each Kathleen Wicoff*+ investment in Conspirare’s mission to change lives through the power of music. Joyce Mayer Carol Williams Suzanne McAllister*+ This list represents gifts made from July 1, 2017 through November 12, 2018. Julia & Patrick Willis*+ Amy McCaffrey+ When we make music, we make it together. Patricia & Chris Yost*+ Janet McCullar*+ * Denotes Hella Circle members Kay & Tom McHorse + Denotes Considering Matthew Shepard donors $1,000-$2,499 Vance McMahan+ # Denotes Legacy of Sound 2 donors Anonymous+ Ann McNair* James Arth*+ Becky & Ted Mercado*+ Paula D’Arcy, Red Bird Foundation+ $50,000 + Wayne Baker* Suzi & Douglas Nelson+ Anonymous (2) *+# Mary & Phil Delk+ Laurie & Britt Barr William Nemir+ Bloomberg Philanthropies Joanne & John Earls, The John C. Griswold Linda & Nick van Bavel* Cynthia & Lip Norvell City of Austin – Cultural Arts Division Family Foundation+ Margaret & Robert Berdahl Stu Phillips*+ H-E-B Tournament of Champions Carol & Chris Elms*+# Victoria & Robert Bergin* Rebecca & Phil Powers Lynne Dobson & Greg Wooldridge* Jim Ferguson & Art Sansone+ Sarah & Ernest Butler Louise Reeser Tina & Dale Knobel*+ James K. Ferguson Foundation+ James Campbell Kimberly & Dan Renner Wendi & Brian Kushner*+# Sandy & Bill Fivecoat*+# Richard Campbell* Lynn & Dick Rew Karen & Paul Galindo+ South Texas Money Management Alice & Gary Childress Teresa Ringness* Danny Hamilton & Paul Hilliard+ Janis & David Claflin*+ Duane Roth* Dean Hansell & Eric Kugler+ $20,000-$49,999 Mela Sarajane Dailey & Peter Bay+ Senaida San Miguel+ Hoisington Investment Management Co. Anonymous* David Bohnett Foundation+ Barbara Schutz+ Craig Hella Johnson & Phil Overbaugh*+ Ginger & Michael Blair*+# Marianne DeLeon* Tony Sessi Mary Kevorkian & Tom Holzbach*+ Marvin Brittman*+# Michael DiLeo Marilyn Sharratt+ Nancy Lesch & Janet Bezner*+ Casey Blass & Lee Manford*+# Rena & Richard D’Souza David Smith+ Susan & Craig Lubin*+# Fran & Larry Collmann*+# Gregory Cash Durham & Bob Gutermuth* James Stolpa Merick Strategies Lara & Robert Harlan*+ Susan Feagin & Rip Wilson+ Bernadette Tasher*+ Stefanie Moore & Todd Keister+ National Endowment for the Arts+ Susan Nash Fekety John C. R. Taylor & Peter Flagg Maxson Ozden Ochoa* Susan & Jack Robertson*+# Ann B. Fields+ Susanne Tetzlaff & Eric Tiblier Quartz Financial Gayle & Mike Roche*+ Michael Fleming+ Texas Cultural Trust Linda & Robert Ramsey+ Still Water Foundation Khris Ford+ Texas Women for the Arts Cyndee & David Rust Constance & Thomas Foster Sandra & Bob Tomlinson*+ Nancy Scanlan*+ Jolynn & Gregory Free*+ Anne & William Wagner+ $10,000-$19,999 Julia & Stephen Wilkinson Mary Nell Frucella*+ Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation Francine Webb Eva & Marvin Womack+ Mary Gifford* Anonymous+# Amy & Philip Welsh+ Kim & Steve Gilbert Mark Bierner*+# James Wood+ $2,500-$4,999 Deborah Glusker+ Dixie Camp Anonymous (2)*+ Deena Graham+ Eric Copper+ Denise & Timothy Burke+ $500-$999 Jeanne & Donald Grantham Carol & Chris Adams Danna & Crutch Crutchfield*+ Fleur Christensen Gusto Italian Kitchen Margaret & Robert Ayres Susanna & Richard Finnell*+# Catherine Clark+ Martha & David Harrington* Ann & Jeff Bomer Dee Garcia+ Mary Anne Connolly*+ Garrett Higley+ Jennifer Braham Richard Hartgrove & Gary Cooper*+# Angela Crisara Jeanne & Van Hoisington+ Leslie Brown+ The Burdine Johnson Foundation Janice & Rowland Curry* Linda & Ken Holmen+ Linda & George Brown Trish & Robert Karli*+# Susan & John Fox Carr Hornbuckle & Jack Leifer+ Brad Buchholz Keating Family Foundation Glenda Goehrs*+ Peggy Howard & Bill Wood* Carla Burzyk The Kodosky Foundation, Gail & Jeff Kodosky*+ Cynthia Gonzales & Bill Guajardo*+ Pam & Rick Huffman* Judy & John Bush+ Monica & JP O’Sullivan Helen & Bob Hays*+ David Hunt+ Patrick Cantilo+ Per Stirling Group Sherry & Gary Jacobson*+ Bill Ikard Christine & J. Dennis Cavner+ Corey Proffitt, Toyota Motor N.A.+ Cheline Jaidar* Daniel Jackson Annette Carlozzi & Dan Bullock DeDe Rogers+ Ronald Jernigan+ Frances Johns Patricia Cherico*+ Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Kathy & Henry Leighton* Marjorie Johnson* Bob Clagett* Shield-Ayres Foundation Gomer Lesch+ Karen Kibler & Tom Grimes Cory Cox Texas Commission on the Arts Marcia Manhart Charles King Marie Crane Rachael & Ben F. Vaughan Foundation Leigh McAlister+ Kathleen Kinney*+ Lisa & Eric Craven Johanna & Mitch Vernick*+ The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation KMFA Cina Crisara Joni Wallace*+ Suzanne Mitchell & Richard Zansitis*+ Donna Knox* Mary Lockwood Crouch Michele Morrison Claire Korioth Catherine Crutchfield Light Margaret Murray-Miller & Carl Caricari*+ $5,000-$9999 Dina Kuntz+ Margaret & Marc Curtis*+ Elizabeth & Jerele Neeld*+ Elizabeth Armstrong+# Lucille Lamy* Melissa Eddy & Tracy Schiemenz*+ Dee Anne & Steven Paulson*+ Nancy & Robert Baden*+ Angie & Steve Larned*+ Elliott Forrest+ Nancy Quinn & Thomas Driscoll+# Joyce & Ken Beck*+ Lou Ann & Bill Lasher+ Cheryl Fuller* Judy & Douglas Rhodes Bill Bednar*+# Eric Leibrock*+ Regan & Billy Gammon Mary Walker Robin & Malcolm Cooper Emily Little*+ William Halverson+ 44 Sheila Lummis* 45 Karen McLaughlin* Carole & Charles Sikes William Harrison $250-$499 Karen & Leroy Haverlah+ Albertsons Safeway Mary Jane McReynolds+ Anna & Don Sorensen* Carol & Bob Hayden* Amazon Smile Campaign Janet Miller+ Asher Streets Margaret Henderson Anonymous (2) Phyllis Miller Marion Lear Swaybill+ Kelli & Van Jr. Hoisington Anton Armstrong Rebecca Miller* Cason Swindle* Joan & Paul Hudson* Robbie & Tom Ausley Evan Morgan Linda & John Thomas Karen & Donald Kirmis+ Steve Baker Fran & Steven Moss Franklin Tinney+ Lynn Knaupp & John Griffin+ Roland Barrera* Jane Niemi+ Faith & Don Trapp*+ Mina Kumar Barbara & Kevin Barry+ Gretchen Olson Kopp+ Dale & Roy Truitt* Jodi Lazar Cindy & Pat Behling Jonathan Palant+ Lauren Vick* Kati Lewis+ Bridgette Beinecke+ Janna Paulson Julie Ward* Cindy Libera+ Anne Bertholf* Sonny Payne Trudy Waters & John Bennett Karoline & Daniel Liu Ingrid & Nathan Bick Andrea Pobanz*+ Andrew West Mary G. Lund+ Dianne & Douglas Brehmer Bailey+ Paul Povse Katherine & Steve White* Joey Martin+ George Brennan Katy & Buzz Pruitt* James Williams Ruth McGregor+ Kay Brumley Flo Ann Randle+ Joyce Zehr+ Sara McIntosh+ Neil Bubke* Joanne & Jerome Ravel Debe & Kevin McKeand Shirley Burger Keely Rhodes Conspirare also thanks all donors of gifts Lisa McLean & Michael Dennis Browne+ Paul Carapetyan+ Kathlene Ritch & Scott Noakes*+ under $250 and regrets that space does not Anthony Medley+ Doug Carroll Jan & Robert Ryan permit the listing of each name. Your support Susan & John Meurling+ Elizabeth & Nathaniel Chapin+ Kirsten & John Ryden is equally appreciated. We strive to publish Barbara Miller+ Thomas Christie+ Safeway Inc. an accurate donor list. If an error or omission Linda Monk Nathasha & David Collmann Valerie Serice is noted, please let us know by calling Louise Morse Nancy Crichlow+ Sam Henderson at 512.476.5775. Lynn & Bob Murphy+ Suzanne & Louie Danuser Eric Neuville Mary Alice Debow* Nona Niland* Kathryn Doane DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Johanna and Mitch Vernick Marcia Noebels+ Dianne Donovan & Mitch Watkins+ Ann Marie Olson Timothy Dowler+ After 25 years in Chicago, Conspirare patrons Johanna Aurelia Palubeckas Sharon Duboise Linda & Paul Parrish*+ Pam Edgerly and Mitch Vernick moved to Austin in 2007 and have Frederick Pestorius Dana & Tim Effler+ quickly become familiar faces at Austin performances. Carol Ann Pevehouse* George Elliman Initially inspired by the message of Considering Lynn & Brian Powell Constance & Rex Esau* Matthew Shepard (and having travelled to experience Jane Ramirez* Sylvia Fatzer Louis Renaud Calla Feucht the performance in Los Angeles and Chicago), they David Renner+ Kemper Florin have also become fans of Conspirare Christmas. Karin Richmond*+ Kendal & Ken Gladish+ Their generosity includes introducing their friends to John Roberson Denise & Robert Gomez Conspirare by hosting dinners in their home. Marianne Rochelle Melissa Gray+ Leilani Rose+ Julie Hagey Together, they have developed a philanthropic approach that is very personal. Michal Rosenberger* Glenn Haluska Rotary Clubs of Austin Roxie & Jim Hayne The couple balances out their approach to giving with Johanna motivated by Deborah & Ed Rupp*+ Megan & Michael Helmbrecht* pure love, while Mitch is motivated by the music and the message. Carmine Salvucci & Steve Brister+ HQ 83 Mary & Jo-Michael Scheibe Melissa Huebsch-Stroud* The Vernicks are also proud parents of a 28-year-old daughter who is a UT Jan & Harold Schneider Carolyn Hynson graduate and works in advertising in New York City and a 26-year-old son who Michelle Schumann & Matt Orem* Sylvia & David Jabour Silicon Valley Community Foundation Judith Jellison & Robert Duke lives in Austin and is on the autism spectrum. Gabrielle Sigel Vonciel & Larry Keister+ Carol Smith & Barbara Corbin+ Ervin Knezek+ Johanna and Mitch have connected deeply to Conspirare’s artistic director, Jare & Jim Smith* Roberta & Richard Lang* Craig Hella Johnson. The song “Ordinary Boy” is a favorite because it reminds Mae Stoll* Bonnie & Sidney Lanier them of the ways their son Clark embodies love. In addition to giving to Chris Tokunga Hillary Larson+ Conspirare, the couple founded an autism therapy center for children in the Julie Toler* Kevin Lemoine+ Anne & Tony Vance* Cameron Lockley* Chicago area and a program in Austin through Creative Action for young Patricia & Curtis Wyman Alaire & Tom Lowry+ adults with autism. Tim Young+ Laura & Richard Matz Dax McCracken “We consider Conspirare like family,” Johanna says, “because Craig’s work is Virginia McDermott & William Schleuse like a hug to the world.” Kate McKenna* 46 47 Songs of Freedom Feb 8 & 9

CONSPIRARE AMBASSADORS Julie Adams Lauren Vick Liz Hernandez Erika Bacon Carol Walker Long Center Crew Chris Baker Kathleen Wicoff St. Luke’s Methodist Janet Bezner Billie Woods Church Volunteer Crew Mary Cook Tobin Center Crew Alice Day Our ambassadors are critical Victoria Bach Festival Volunteers Marcia Edwards for welcoming audiences, Michelle Fisher promoting upcoming concerts, Vivian Ferchill and housing out-of-town artists. FRIENDS Stephanie Foster We welcome music lovers of & SUPPORTERS Mary Gifford all ages to participate. If you’re First United Methodist Church Kathleen Girard interested in giving back to Hydra Press, Nancy Crusott Kathryn Govier Conspirare and enjoying a free KMFA Cyndi Griesser performance as our thank you, KUT/KUTX Molly Guzzino please visit our volunteer webpage Live Oak Gottesman Emily Haeussler or email Kathy Leighton Long Center Melissa Huebsch at [email protected] Marquee Event Group Sara Hilgers McCarthy Print Rod Howard PRODUCTION TEAM Phillip Overbaugh Bill Hulsey Christy Butler, Printed Program Randall’s Virginia Hyde Content Director St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Jimmie Johnson Jennifer Braham, Program Design Sun Radio Henry Leighton Robert Harlan, Stage Manager Tarrytown United Methodist Church Beverly McCune Viera Buzgova, Stage Manager Tobin Center Susan Meitz Willa Snow Victoria Bach Festival Courtney Neva Will Pearson Pat Reed Walter Olden and Olden Lighting Ken Reed John Stinson and Forrest Culotta Megan Starkey Sarah Williams Katie Sualog Nathan Thompson Patrice Sullivan Kendall Walshak Veryan Thompson Pat Reed Greg Thompson Matt Schneider Music. FEATURED AMBASSADOR Lauren Vick Experience Voice. Hi, I’m Lauren and I’m a Conspirare superfan! I also happen to be a Conspirare singer, a Conspirare donor, a Conspirare Dance. volunteer, and a former Conspirare employee. I so value my time as a volunteer and think that it’s the perfect combination of “good vibes” for me: I get to donate my time and efforts Theater. to a wildly deserving cause, I get to stay connected and involved in an organization so dear to my heart, and most importantly I get to be fully immersed in world-class musical experiences. I am always so blown away by how different each performance can be, considering the breadth of Craig’s programming and the unique qualities texasperformingarts.org featured in each contrasting venue. Truly no two are alike! I thought moving out of the Austin area would alter my ability to dedicate time to Conspirare, but

that turned out to be wrong. I’m able to be a “local” volunteer on the ground at Duggan Christopher by Photo Houston concerts when the group travels, plus I don’t mind the short trip back to ATX for those extra special Holiday concerts or the annual Hidden Music Gala. If you’re in an area outside of Austin, don’t let that stop you from getting involved. It’s such a rewarding contribution to not only Conspirare, but also to your own ears and heart! 48

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AUSTIN | 512-491-7368 Choral Department

Texas State University Master of Music Choral Conducting

Choral Conducting Symposium Craig Hella Johnson Artist in Residence

Highly competitive scholarships and assistantships Podium time with all four large ensembles featuring the Texas State Two candidates accepted each year choral faculty including Option for summers only Craig Hella Johnson (limited enrollment) Joey M. Martin Jonathan Babcock

Joey M. Martin Director of Choral Activities Jonathan Babcock Assoc. Director of Choral Activities Lynn Brinckmeyer Director of Choral Music Education Craig Aamot June 24–28, 2019 Lecturer of Choral Music Texas State University Performing Arts Center

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Texas State University, to the extent not in conflict with federal or state law, prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability,

veterans’ status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact 512.245.3830 at least 72 hours

in advance of the event. Texas State University is a tobacco-free campus. 18‐535 9‐18