How deeply hurt is my heart They would be weeping with me, To heal my pain. And if the nightingales knew it, How sad I am and ill, They would ring out in joyful sound, The Poet SINGS Dashon Burton, bass-baritone Craig Hella Johnson, piano

From out of ancient fairy tales There beckons a white hand, There’s a singing and a ringing Of an enchanted land;Where many-hued flowers are In the golden evening light.

February 2, 2018 The Poet SINGS Dashon Burton, bass-baritone Craig Hella Johnson, piano

Friday, February 2, 2018 8pm Jessen Auditorium Homer Rainey Hall, The University of Texas at Austin

Saturday February 3, 2018 Private encore performance, San Antonio Supported by Jeanie Wyatt, South Texas Money Management

With special guests from the Conspirare Symphonic Choir

Season Sustaining Underwriter

®

1 1 A NOTE FROM THE ARTIST

I love the idea of The Poet Sings because of the myriad opportunity in that. The body of work is so massive in poetry and song, and the combination of them is as old as humanity. I want to dig my hands in the deep earth that brought us these shared feelings, these experiences, all conveyed to us from those who wrote before we were here. I hope we can find repertoire that bursts off the page and out of our hearts with enough passion to invigorate us. Schumann’s Dichterliebe does this for me every time, and especially Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau’s Conspirare was founded with the idea pristine versions. The urgency, the raw anticipation of a response when he of bringing solo vocal artists together confesses his longing in the first song, hits me every time. to present the highest caliber choral We will invite the audience into our world in the same way that Schumann and many other great souls since have done. In their chamber rooms, performances and share a love of singing. they filled the air and the hearts of so many with an affect, ripped from a page. In our great technological age, we have so many opportunities to From time to time we present a program that showcases the depth be amazed, and I love to imagine what the impact would be, if we went of the solo talent of our roster. In tonight’s program we are pleased back before times when these sounds were easily reproduced, when you to present bass-baritone Dashon Burton. Many of you may know didn’t know that you could easily hear that exact moment again. In that him from his riveting performance in Considering Matthew Shepard. space is what we and our audience will, simply, play. And even in that play, Tonight we are excited to include works representing a range of styles we will choose works of other devoted masters who gave us lots of fun and timeframes, showcasing his incredible versatility. along with amazement. It helps me stay grounded when writing about the effervescent beauty of art. This concert is the fourth in our regular series The Poet Sings. Previous programs featured works by Pablo Neruda, Emily Dickinson, I would tell anyone who is a first time listener to first of all enjoy the open and the anonymous authors of Afghan Landays. This series brings hearted music that will be playing in this hall...to join in the history of this focus to the works of poets and highlights the poems and poets who piece from those instantly recognizable first two bars, so full of longing write them; and exploring the intersection of words, meter and sound. and promise, is a special thing. I envy anyone who gets to hear that for Tonight we experience the exchange between several authors and the first time! And if you are here for the first time in any classical setting, poets. no worry! Just sit back, relax, breathe, and know that everyone in this room We are delighted to be together with you this evening for shared is happy to be here, all enjoying in our own special and personal way. song created by artists and listeners. There is no right way to enjoy classical music!

Gratefully,

2 3 A NOTE FROM THE ARTIST (cont’d) PROGRAM NOTE I first heard the Fischer Dieskau recording in college, and it was a part Tonight, Conspirare continues its inspired series “The Poet Sings” with a of my “required listening.” We all know how so many of these classic cornucopia of composers displaying the fruits of poetic imagination from and beautiful works have so much more competition today for our the groves of the Shakespearean era through the tangled forests of attention than they did when they were first written. What I wish I had contemporary art. known then is that I only get one chance to listen to this whole piece for the first time; to experience the same exuberance that I do in ealr Elizabethan composer John Dowland, was known for his morose demeanor. life when thinking of someone I love, and the same crushing agony I In fact, it was quipped that semper Dowlands semper dolens [Dowland is do in real life when thinking of someone I’ve lost. Gratefully, I can, with always downhearted]. A Pilgrimes Solace, his final work, is a set of twenty- greater wisdom, know that every time I sing this, every time I hear this, one rather somber songs to poems he himself wrote. Yet, part of the text of tonight’s song, “Musicke all thy sweetnesse lend, while of his high power I every time we share this experience is cherished and special. There are speake” reflects Dowland’s positive philosophy of the importance of poetry always new things to notice, there are always new sounds to discover, to music, declaring that: and new feelings to connect to our own lives outside of this room. a far higher authoritie and power hath been ever worthily To work with Craig and his amazing family of friends always gives me a attributed to that kinde of Musicke, which to the sweetness of truly open view into what art, and the arts, can be. If I had to describe the instrument applies the lively voice of man, expressing some Conspirare in one word, it would be unmissable. worthy sentence or excellent Poeme. From the same era of Dowland and John Donne, in whose elegant poetry the Dashon Burton phrase “no man is an island” was coined, English nationalist composer Ralph Praised for his “nobility and rich tone,” (New York Times), bass-baritone Vaughan Williams chose the poems of Anglican priest George Herbert for his Dashon Burton is passionately dedicated to the message that classical Mystical Songs. Like Dowland, Herbert extolls the spiritual force of voice and music is for all ears, right now. After winning multiple prizes in vocal instrument using the word “consort” which, at that time, was doubly used as competitions staged in Germany and Holland he stands apart in this a noun and as a verb for a group of musicians performing together: “Consort generation of singers as a sought after collaborator in opera, orchestral both heart and lute, and twist a song/Pleasant and long.” works, chamber music, and art song. Singer-composer Scott Perkins explores an ancient maze of witticisms by This season, Dashon sings Beethoven’s Symphony no. 9 with the setting Anglo-Saxon riddles found in the tenth-century Exeter manuscript for Cleveland Orchestra, Handel & Haydn Society in Boston, in Sweden his Riddle Songs series. Anticipating the twelfth-century humor of Chaucer’s with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, and with the Orlando Canterbury Tales, many of these attractive poetic puzzles have challenged Philharmonic. He joined forces with Cleveland and Welser-Möst scholars for years. Fortunately, the two on this program have been solved. again for reprise performances of their groundbreaking production of Janacek’s Cunning Little Vixen and appears twice at Carnegie Hall Nineteenth-century American slave spirituals show common connections with the Oratorio Society of NY for Handel’s Messiah and in the world of human nature with the Anglo-Saxon riddles of nine centuries before, but premiere of Paul Moravec’s Sanctuary Road, as well as performing in they served a far more perilous mission, cleverly using biblical stories to hide David Lang’s The Little Match Girl Passion at the Metropolitan Museum escape plans. Impassioned songs like “Sometimes I feel like a motherless of Art. Dashon revisits the role of Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte on tour child” exemplify the “double consciousness” W.E.B. DuBois identified where with Opera de Dijon in Limoges and Caen. Throughout the season the outward spirituality of the poetry obscures its inward practicality. Those enslaved could use the light of music to find a path through the thicket of he continues to tour with the Grammy-winning contemporary vocal dutiful servility while courageously plotting liberation. Like Dowland, tonight’s ensemble Roomful of Teeth with visits to London and Washington DC’s spirituals speak of pilgrimage: “I don’t know which way I can run” and of Kennedy Center, and ends the season at Grant Park Music Festival being alone in the journey, feeling “a long way from home.” But Gospel singing Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast. songs like “Precious Lord” by Thomas A. Dorsey (no relation to the Jazz trombonist), represent the age of Emancipation. He is a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and Yale University, where he worked with James Taylor.

4 5 Overwhelming interest in traveling to a city called heaven—a metaphor for CONCERT PROGRAM to be selected from: North which, in turn, is a metaphor for freedom—was supplanted by focus on the here and now, using first-person dialogue with God: “Precious Lord, In This Trembling Shadow John Dowland (1563-1626) take my hand, lead me on.” These can also deal with pilgrimage, but on the No. 12 from A Pilgrimes Solace (1612) road of life, not the path to freedom. Dichterliebe, (A Poet’s Love), Opus 48 (1840) Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Grammy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer William Bolcom 1. Im wunderschönen Monat Mai walks side by side with poet Arnold Weinstein on his musical journey, 2. Aus meinen Tränen spriessen proclaiming his respect for poetry’s role in music by giving Weinstein equal 3. Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube 4. Wenn ich in deine Augen seh’ billing on the definitive recording of his massive multi-volumeCabaret 5. Ich will meine Seele tauchen Songs: “He had such a gift for writing words that were singable, and that 6. Im Rhein, im heiligen Strome gave character.” Weinstein traced cabaret songs’ history, those redolent 7. Ich grolle nicht of the urban jungle often associated with Marlene Dietrich and Edith 8. Und wüssten’s die Blumen Piaf: “It is in Germany that the rhinestone mantle of cabaret is worn most 9. Das ist ein Flöten und Geigen comfortably...the spare loose quality of revue.” The song “Blue” is true to 10. Hör’ ich das Liedchen klingen its title with its American blue notes (flat thirds and sixths), relaxed tempos, 11. Ein Jüngling liebt ein Mädchen and the use of casual language—music married to the right partner. 12. Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen 13. Ich hab’ in Traum geweinet This program’s focal point is German writer Heinrich Heine, poet of choice 14. Allnächtlich in Traume for Robert Schumann. Heine’s Lyrisches Intermezzo consists of sixty-five 15. Aus alten Märchen winkt es poems with a prose prologue. Schumann used sixteen for A Poet’s Love. 16. Die alten, bösen Lieder Heine, acquainted with Karl Marx, was unconvinced by Communist goals, even though Marx published Heine verses in his newspaper Vorwärts Short Pause [Forwards]. Heine’s satirical perspective on current events resulted in social and political enemies, but this perspective provided prime inspiration for Riddle Songs (2008) Scott Perkins (b. 1980) Schumann’s own satirical attitude. Like Bolcom and Weinstein, Schumann No. 24 (Solution: jay) and Heine are perfect partners. They met in 1828 Munich, as slaves in No. 47 (Solution: bookworm) America were creating their own musical legacy. Five Mystical Songs (1911) Ralph Vaughn Williams (1872-1958) Easter Scholars like Robert H. Schauffler consider that inDichterliebe, Schumann The Call “was the first composer to appreciate and reflect Heine’s bitter irony.” Love bade me welcome In “Ich grolle nicht,” for example, the poet protests too much, mocking Romantic sentiment by repeating the title statement five times in only eleven lines. Schumann adds additional repeats. Like American spirituals, SPIRITUALS AND GOSPEL SONGS Heine’s meanings are initially hidden, but Schumann unlocks the secret City Called Heaven Traditional Spiritual garden. He, along with the other composers on this program, savor the Motherless Child Traditional Spiritual rich scents of these poems through understanding expressed in sometimes floral, sometimes astringent, notes of music. A fruitful endeavor, indeed. Precious Lord Take My Hand Thomas A. Dorsey (1899-1993) We Shall Overcome Traditional G. Yvonne Kendall Dr. Kendall is a Stanford-educated musicologist and program annotator who has written for Houston Grand Opera, EMI, the Over My Head Traditional Spiritual National Gallery in Washington DC, among others. She has published internationally, most recently with entries in Oxford University’s Grove Blue William Bolcolm (b. 1938) Music, the most prominent English language encyclopedia devoted to from Cabaret Songs, Volume 4, No. 6 music. She has recently earned an MFA in nonfictionwriting and literary translation from Columbia University, studying there with writers for the New York Times.

6 7 TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS 2. Aus meinen Tränen spriessen From my tears will spring Aus meinen Tränen spriessen, Out of my tears go forth In This Trembling Shadow Viel blühende Blumen hervor, Many flowers in bloom. In this trembling shadow, cast Und meine Seufzer werden And my sighs become from those boughes which thy winds shake, Ein Nachtigallenchor. A choir of nightingales. Farre from humane troubles plac’d, Und wenn du mich lieb hast, Kindchen, And if you are fond of me, little one, Songs to the Lord would I make, Schenk’ ich dir die Blumen all’, I will give you all the flowers, Darknesse from my minde then take, Und vor deinem Fenster soll klingen And at your window shall ring For thy rites none may begin, Das Lied der Nachtigall. The song of the nightingale. Till they feele thy light within. 3. Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube, The rose, the lily, the dove, the sun As I sing, sweete flowers Ile strow, die Sonne from the fruitfull vallies brought: Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube, die Sonne, The rose, the lily, the dove, the sun Praising him by whom they grow, Die liebt’ ich einst alle in Liebeswonne. I loved them once all with the rapture him that heaven and earth hath wrought, of love. him that all things framde of nought, Ich lieb sie nicht mehr, ich liebe alleine I love them no more, I love alone Him that all for man did make, Die Kleine, die Feine, die Reine, The little one, the fine, the pure, But made man for his owne sake. die Eine; the only one. Sie selber, aller Liebe Wonne, She herself, the well of all love Musicke all thy sweetnesse lend, Ist Rose und Lilie und Taube und Sonne. Is rose and lily and dove and sun, while of his high power I speake, Ich liebe alleine die Kleine, I love alone the little one, On whom all powers else depend, Die Feine, die Reine, die Eine, die Eine! The fine, the pure, the only one! but my brest is now too weake, trumpets shrill the ayre should breake, 4. Wenn ich in deine Augen seh’ When I look into your eyes All in vaine my sounds I raise, Wenn ich in deine Augen seh’, When I look into your eyes, Boundlesse power askes boundlesse praise. So schwindet all mein Leid und Weh; Then all my grief and sorrow vanish; Doch wenn ich küsse deinen Mund, But when I kiss your lips, So werd ich ganz und gar gesund. I become all well again. Dichterliebe (Poet’s Love) Wenn ich mich lehn’ an deine Brust, When I lean on your breast Kommt’s über mich wie Himmelslust; I feel the joy of heaven descending; 1. Im wunderschönen Monat Mai In the wondrously beautiful month Doch wenn du sprichst: Ich liebe dich! But when you say: I love you! of May So muss ich weinen bitterlich. Then I must weep bitterly. Im wunderschönen Monat Mai, In the wondrously beautiful month of May, 5. Ich will meine Seele tauchen I want to plunge my soul Als alle Knospen sprangen, When all the buds were burst open, Ich will meine Seele tauchen, I want to plunge my soul Da ist in meinem Herzen Die Liebe Then in my heart In den Kelch der Lilie hinein; Into the cup of the lily, aufgegangen Love unfolded too. Die Lilie soll klingend hauchen The lily shall breathe resoundingly Im wunderschönen Monat Mai, In the wonderously beautiful month Ein Lied von der Liebsten mein. A song of my beloved, of May, Das Lied soll schauern und beben, The song shall shiver and tremble, Als alle Vögel sangen, When all the birds were sang, Wie der Kuss von ihrem Mund, Like the kiss from her lips, Da hab ich ihr gestanden Mein Then I confessed to her Den sie mir einst gegeben That she has given me once Sehnen und Verlangen. My longing and my desire. In wunderbar süsser Stund’. In a wonderfully sweet hour.

8 9 6. Im Rhein, im heiligen Strome In the Rhine, by the holy stream 8. Und wüssten’s die Blumen If the little flowers Im Rhein, im heiligen Strome, In the Rhine, by the holy stream, Und wüssten’s die Blumen, die kleinen If the little flowers but knew it Da spiegelt sich in den Well’n There is mirrored in the waves, Wie tief verwundet mein Herz, How deeply hurt is my heart Mit seinem grossen Dome, With its great Cathedral, Sie würden mit mir weinen, They would be weeping with me, Das grosse, heilige Cöln. The great, holy Cologne. Zu heilen meinen Schmerz. To heal my pain. Im Dom da steht ein Bildnis, In the cathedral there is a picture, Und wüssten’s die Nachtigallen, And if the nightingales knew it, Auf goldenem Leder gemalt; Painted on golden leather; Wie ich so traurig und krank, How sad I am and ill, In meines Lebens Wildnis Into my life’s wilderness Sie liessen frölich erschallen They would ring out in joyful sound, Hat’s freundlich hineingestrahlt. It has sent its friendly radiance. Erquickenden Gesang. A refreshing melody. Es schweben Blumen und Eng’lein, Flowers and little angels Und wüssten sie mein Wehe, And if they knew my sorrow, Um unsre liebe Frau; Float around our Blessed Virgin; die goldenen Sternelein, The little golden stars, Die Augen, die Lippen, die Wänglein, Her eyes, her lips, her sweet cheeks, Sie kämen aus ihrer Höhe, They would come down from Die gleichen der Liebsten genau. Resemble my sweetheart’s exactly. their height Und sprächen Trost mir ein. To bring me consolation. Die alle können’s nicht wissen, They all cannot know it, 7. Ich grolle nicht I bear no grudge Ich grolle nicht, und wenn das Herz I bear no grudge, even though Nur Eine kennt meinen Schmerz; Only one is aware of my pain, auch bricht, my heart may break, Sie hat ja selbst zerrissen, For she herself has torn, Ewig verlor’nes Lieb! ich grolle nicht. Eternally lost love! I bear no grudge. Zerrissen mir das Herz. Has torn my heart in twain. Wie du auch strahlst in Diamantenpracht, Though you are shining in your diamond’s splendour, 9. Das ist ein Flöten und Geigen Flutes and violins are heard Es fällt kein Strahl in deines No ray falls into the darkness of Das ist ein Flöten und Geigen, Flutes and violins are heard, Herzens Nacht, your heart, Trompeten schmettern darein; And trumpets shrilly blaze, Das weiss ich längst. I’ve known it well for a long time. Da tanzt wohl den Hochzeitreigen There dances her wedding dance Ich grolle nicht, und wenn das Herz I bear no grudge, even though Die Herzallerliebste mein. The beloved of my heart. auch bricht. my heart may break. Das ist ein Klingen und Dröhnen, There is a ringing and roaring, Ich sah dich ja im Traume, For I saw you in my dream. Ein Pauken und ein Schalmei’n; A drumming and sounding of shawms; Und sah die Nacht in deines And I saw the darkness in your heart, Dazwischen schluchzen und stöhnen, In between are sobbing and moaning Herzens Raume, Die lieblichen Engelein. The lovely little angels. Und sah die Schlang’, Die dir am And saw the snake that fees upon Herzen frisst, your heart, 10. Hör’ ich das Liedchen klingen When I hear the little song Ich sah, mein Lieb, wie sehr du elend bist. I saw, my love, how utterly wretched Hör’ ich das Liedchen klingen, When I hear the little song, you are. Das einst die Liebste sang, That once my sweetheart sang, Ich grolle nicht, ich grolle nicht. I bear no grudge, I bear no grudge. So will mir die Brust zerspringen I feel as if my heart would burst Von wildem Schmerzendrang. From the wild surge of pain. Es treibt mich ein dunkles Sehnen A dark longing the sends me Hinauf zur Waldeshöh’, Up into the wooded heights, Dort löst sich auf in Tränen And there dissovles in tears Mein übergrosses Weh. My all to great torment.

10 11 11. Ein Jüngling liebt ein Mädchen A youth loves a maiden 14. Allnächtlich in Traume Every night in my dream Ein Jüngling liebt ein Mädchen, A youth loves a maiden Allnächtlich in Traume seh’ ich dich, Every night in my dream I see you, Die hat einen andern ewählt; Who has chosen another one, Und sehe dich freundlich grüssen, And see you friendly, friendly greet me. Der andere liebt eine and’re, The other one loves another, Und laut aufweinend stürz’ ich mich And loudly weeping I fling myself Und hat sich mit dieser vermählt. And has wed with this one. Zu deinen süssen Füssen. At your sweet feet. Das Mädchen nimmt aus Ärger The maiden takes in anger Du siehest mich an wehmütiglich You look at me with pity Den ersten, besten Mann, The very first man Und schüttelst das blonde Köpfchen; And shake your little blonde head; Der ihr in den Weg gelaufen; Who happened to come her way; Aus deinen Augen schleichen sich From your eyes steal silently Der Jüngling ist übel d’ran. The youth is badly off. Die Perlen Tränentröpfchen. The little pearly tear drops. Es ist eine alte Geschichte, It is quite an old story, Du sagst mir heimlich ein leises Wort, You tell me in secret a gentle word, Doch bleibt sie immer neu; Yet it remains ever new; Und gibst mir den Strauss von Cypressen. And give me a bouquet, a bouquet Und wem sie just passieret, And he to whom it happens, Ich wache auf, und der Strauss ist fort, I waken up and the bouquet is gone, Dem bricht das Herz entzwei. It breaks his heart in two. Und’s Wort hab’ ich vergessen. And the word I have forgotten.

12. Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen On a shining summer morning 15. Aus alten Märchen winkt es From out of ancient fairy tales Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen On a shining summer morning Aus alten Märchen winkt es From out of ancient fairy tales Ge’ ich im Garten herum. I walk around the garden. Hervor mit weisser Hand, There beckons a white hand, Es flüstern und sprechen die Blumen, There whisper the and speak Da singt es, und da klingt es There’s a singing and a ringing the flowers, Von einem Zauberland; Of an enchanted land; Ich aber wandle stumm. But I walk silently. Wo bunte Blumen blühen, Where many-hued flowers are blooming Es flüstern und sprechen die Blumen, There whisper the and speak In goldnen Abendlicht, In the golden evening light, the flowers, Und lieblich duftend glühen And glow in the lovely fragrance Und schaun mitleidig mich an: And look with pity on me: Mit bräuchtlichem Gesicht; With a bridal countenance; Sei unsrer Schwester nicht böse, Be not angry with our sister, Und grüne Bäume singen And where green trees are singing Du trauriger, blasser Mann. You sorrowful, pale man. Uralte Melodei’n, Primeval melodies, Die Lüfte heimlich klingen, The breezes whisper furtively Und Vögel schmettern drein; 13. Ich hab’ in Traum geweinet I have wept in my dream Rent by the warbling of birds; Ich hab’ in Traum geweinet, I have wept in my dream, Und Nebelbilder steigen And misty shapes are rising Mir Träumte du lägest im Grab. I dreamed you lay in your grave. Wohl aus der Erd’ hervor, From out of the earth, Ich wachte auf, und die Träne I awakened, and the tears Und tanzen luft’gen Reigen And dance an airy roundelay Floss noch von der Wange herab. Still flowed from my cheeks. Im wunderlichen Chor; In a bizarre chorus; Ich hab im Traum geweinet, I have wept in my dream, Und blaue Funken brennen And blue sparks are burning Mir träumt’, du verliessest mich. I dreamt you had forsaken me. An jedem Blatt und Reis, On every leaf and twig, Ich wachte auf, und ich weinte I awakened, and I wept Und rote Lichter rennen And red lights are running Noch lange bitterlich. Still a long time bitterly. Im irren, wirren Kreis; In a circle mad and confused; Ich hab im Traum geweinet, I have wept in my dream, Und laute Quellen brechen And noisy springs are breaking Mir träumte, du wärst mir noch gut. I dreamed you were still fond of me. Aus wildem Marmorstein, Out of wild marble stone, Ich wachte auf, und noch immer I awakened, and unceasing Und seltsam in den Bächen And strangely in the brooks Strömt meine Tränenflut. Still rushes the flood of my tears. Strahlt fort der Wilderschein. The reflection is shining forth. . Ach, könnt’ ich dorthin kommen Oh, could I only go there, Und dort mein Herz erfreu’n, And there rejoice in my heart, Und aller Qual entnommen Released from all my torment Und frei und selig sein! Be free and filled with bliss! Ach! jenes Land der Wonne, Oh! that land of delights Das seh’ ich oft im Traum; I often see in my dream, Doch kommt die Morgensonne, But with the morning sun Zerfliesst’s wie eitel Schaum. It melts like empty foam. 12 13

. 16. Die alten, bösen Lieder The old, wicked songs Selections from Five Mystical Songs Die alten, bösen Lieder, The old, wicked songs, Die Träume bös’ und arg, The dreams wicked and bad, Easter Die lasst uns jetzt begraben; Let us now bury them now, Rise heart; thy Lord is risen. Sing his praise Holt einen grossen Sarg. Fetch a large coffin. Without delays, Hinein leg’ ich gar manches, Therein I shall put many things, Who takes thee by the hand, that thou likewise Doch sag’ ich noch nicht was; But I will not yet say what; With him may’st rise; Der Sarg muss sein noch grösser The coffin must be larger still That, as his death calcined thee to dust, Wie’s Heidelberger Fass. Then the great tun at Heidelberg. His life may make thee gold, and much more, Just. Und holt eine Totenbahre And fetch also a bier, Und Bretter fest und dick; And planks hard and thick; Awake, my lute, and struggle for thy part Auch muss sie sein noch länger, It must be even longer With all thy art. Als wie zu Mainz die Brück’. Than at Mayence the bridge. The cross taught all wood to resound his name Und holt mir auch zwölf Riesen, And also fetch twelve giants, Who bore the same. Die müssen noch stärker sein, They must be even stronger His stretched sinews taught all strings, what key Als wie der starke Christoph, Than the powerful Christopher, Is best to celebrate this most high day. Im Dom zu Köln am Rhein. In the Cathedral at Cologne on the Rhine. Consort both heart and lute, and twist a song Die sollen den Sarg forttragen They shall bear away the coffin Pleasant and long: Und senken ins Meer hinab, And lower it into the sea; Or since all music is but three parts vied, Denn solchem grossen Sarge For such a large coffin And multiplied; Gebührt ein grosses Grab. A large grave is due. O let thy blessed Spirit bear a part, Wisst ihr, warum der Sarg wohl Do you know why the coffin And make up our defects with his sweet art. So gross und schwer mag sein? So large and heave must be? Rise heart; thy Lord is risen. Sing his praise Ich senkt’ auch meine Liebe I also sunk my love Without delays, Und meinen Schmerz hinein. And my pain therein. Who takes thee by the hand, that thou likewise – Heinrich Heine – translated With him may’st rise; Edith Braun and Waldo Lyman That, as his death calcined thee to dust, His life may make thee gold, and much more, Just. . – George Herbert

The Call Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life: Such a Way, as gives us breath: Such a Truth, as ends all strife: Such a Life, as killeth death.

Come, My Light, my Feast, my Strength: Such a Light, as shows a feast: Such a Feast, as mends in length: Such a Strength, as makes his guest.

Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart: Such a Joy, as none can move: Such a Love, as none can part: Such a Heart, as joys in love – George Herbert 14 15 Love Bade Me Welcome I am a wondrous creature, I can change my voice, Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back, Sometimes I bark like a dog, sometimes I bleat like a goat, Guilty of dust and sin. Sometimes I honk like a goose, sometimes I shriek like a hawk, But quick-ey’d Love, observing me grow slack Sometimes I mimic the dark eagle, From my first entrance in, The war-bird’s cry, sometimes I imitate the voice of the kite Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning, With my mouth, sometimes the song of the seamew, If I lack’d anything. as I sit here proudly. X [= G, gift] names me, along with Æ [ash] and R [journey/road], O [god] assists it, A guest, I answer’d, worthy to be here: H [hail] and I [ice]. Now I am named, Love said, You shall be he. as these six letters clearly indicate. I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear, I cannot look on thee. Love took my hand, and smiling did reply, Who made the eyes but I? Truth, Lord, but I have marr’d them: let my shame Go where it doth deserve. And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame? My dear, then I will serve. You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat: So I did sit and eat. – George Herbert – Exeter Book Riddle Songs A moth ate words. I thought that To be a strange fate, when I learned of that wonder, that some worm swallowed up someone’s poem, a thief in the darkness, a mighty saying and the strong material on which it was written. The thief was none the wiser, when he swallowed those words.

– Exeter Book

16 17 Refrain SPIRITUALS AND GOSPEL SONGS When the darkness appears And the night draws near, City Called Heaven I am a poor pilgrim of sorrow And the day is past and gone, I’m tossed in this wide world alone At the river I stand, No hope I have for tomorrow Guide my feet, hold my hand: I’ve started to heav’n my home Refrain – Thomas A. Dorsey Sometimes I am tossed and driven, Lord, Sometimes I don’t know where to roam We Shall Overcome I’ve heard of a city called heaven We shall overcome, we shall overcome I’ve started to make it my home We shall overcome some day Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe My mother reached that pure glory We shall overcome some day My father’s still walkin’ in sin My brothers and sisters won’t own me We are not afraid, we are not afraid Because I am tryin’ to get in We are not afraid today – Traditional Spiritual Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe We are not afraid today Motherless Child Sometimes I feel like a motherless chile The Lord will see us through…(today)… A long ways from home We’ll walk hand in hand…(today)… Sometimes I feel like I’m almos’ gone A long ways from home The truth shall make us free…(some day)… – Traditional Spiritual – Inspired by African American Gospel Singing, members of the Food and Tobacco Workers Union, Charleston, SC, and the southern Civil Rights movement. Lyric adaptation by Zilphia Hart., Precious Lord Take My Hand Precious Lord, take my hand, Frank Hamilton, Guy Carawan and Pete Seeger Lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Over My Head Refrain Through the storm, through the night, Over my head, I see freedom in the air, Lead me on to the light: Over my head, I see freedom in the air, Over my head, I see freedom in the air, Refrain There must be a God somewhere. Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home. Over my head, I see justice in the air, Over my head, Oh Lord, I see justice in the air, When my way grows drear, Over my head, I see justice in the air, Precious Lord, linger near, There must be a God somewhere. When my life is almost gone, Hear my cry, hear my call, Over my head, I see victory in the air, Hold my hand lest I fall: Over my head, Oh Lord, I see victory in the air, Over my head, I see victory in the air, There must be a God somewhere. – Traditional 18 19 Tonight’s performance includes a special guest appearance by Blue the following members of Conspirare Symphonic Choir: This is what I want to do my heart is sit real still with you. After all that cruising in around and out of town, John Proft, rehearsal conductor Put them down who dare refuse me and the the same old line I threw ah but up up up I grew Soprano Tenor And now all I want to do my heart is sit real still with you. Kari McDonald Todd Brennan After all that screeching talking fast and slowing down Margaret Henderson Robbie LaBanca Only now and then to reach you when you let me know Michel Kennell Eli Salazar Jennifer Wang Trevor Shaw I knew that what I preach is none too true That’s why all I want to do my heart is sit real still with you. Alto Bass (Cause I do know this about people and I DON’T mean some: Wravan Godsoe Roland Barrera Awf’ly smart people are often awful dumb! Linda Blair Ramsey Robert Harlan Aren’t we? Deborah Rupp Dionsysus Henderson We just don’t realize that behind the eyes, behind the mind, Andrea Pobanz De’Evin J. Johnson John Proft you find the sweetest brilliance and a stillness of such blue that --)

That’s why all I want to do my soul is sit real still with you. Ah so sweetly down the hill That is what I want to do sweet soul is sit real still with you. The Conspirare Symphonic Choir, – Arnold Weinstein established in 2000, is an auditioned chorus of both professional and volunteer singers.

Most reside in the Austin area, though several commute to rehearsals and performances from as far away as the Hill Country, San Antonio, and Victoria. All are highly skilled singers with significant previous choral experience.

Led by Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson, the ensemble carries on the great oratorio tradition of epic choral storytelling. The dedicated Symphonic Choir singers are collaborative artists who sing the greatest choral masterworks with orchestra as well as new works for voices and instruments. They participate regularly in Conspirare outreach Performing Note programs and serve as singing hosts for Conspirare’s popular Big Sings. Conspirare has the privilege of performing in a variety of beautiful venues. Symphonic choral forces range from 50 to over 100 singers depending We seek out acoustical and aesthetic environments that can best enhance on the work performed. choral performances and we are deeply grateful to our hosts. While some of our performing venues may represent specific traditions, and texts of The Symphonic Choir performs large choral-orchestral works annually some of our repertoire may also be representative of specific traditions, in Austin and other cities as part of the Conspirare season, and it is in no way intended to be exclusive of any individual whose experience collaborates frequently with other major arts organizations such as the or set of beliefs is not represented. Our shared musical experiences are Austin Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Austin, and Victoria Bach Festival. intended to bring us together as we all seek to be inspired by the power The choir has won several Austin Critics Table Awards, most recently of great choral music. The audience creates the space in which the music for the 2012 performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms is held. with the Austin Symphony. 20 21 A composer and arranger, Johnson is an editor for the Craig Hella Johnson Choral Series, featuring specially selected composers as well as some of his own original compositions and arrangements. His music is also published by Alliance Music Publications. Johnson’s pieces are in high demand by choirs across the United States who also commission his work. Johnson is known Johnson’s first concert-length compositionConsidering Matthew Shepard was premiered and recorded by Conspirare for a 2016 CD release. The for crafting musical Bay Area Reporter wrote: “…it has the richness, depth and complexity to journeys that create compel repeated hearing...for all the musical styles Johnson employs... it has a unity of conception and voice that is all Johnson’s. Considering deep connections Matthew Shepard is a deeply American piece, performed with utter between performer dedication by performers for whom it was composed. But its universality lies in the fact that it could be performed by many others – and must be, and listener. for all our sakes.” As Conspirare’s founder and Artistic Director, Johnson assembles some of today’s finest singers to form a world-class ensemble. Johnson is also music director of the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble and conductor The Wall Street Journal has praised Johnson’s ability to emeritus of the Victoria Bach Festival. He has served as guest conductor with Austin Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Oregon Bach Festival, “find the emotional essence other performers often miss.” Harvard University and many others in Texas, the U.S., and abroad. Through these activities, as 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 accomplishments have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. Notably among them, he and Conspirare won a Beloved by audiences, lauded by critics and composers, and revered 2014 Grammy® for Best Choral Performance, Chorus America granted by musicians, Johnson is known for crafting musical journeys that him the Michael Korn Founders Award for Development of the create deep connections between performer and listener. Johnson is Professional Choral Art in 2015, and the Texas State Legislature named recognized for his distinctive programming, drawing on a broad spectrum him Texas State Musician for 2013. Other honors have included 2008 of musical styles to create vibrant concert experiences. The Wall Street induction into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame, Chorus America’s 2009 Journal has praised Johnson’s ability to “find the emotional essence Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal, and other performers often miss.” Composer and collaborator Robert Kyr the 2011 Citation of Merit from international professional music fraternity has observed that “Craig’s attitude toward creating a community of Mu Phi Epsilon. Johnson studied at St. Olaf College, the Juilliard School, artists...goes beyond technical mastery into that emotional depth and and the University of Illinois, and earned his doctorate at Yale University. spiritual life of the music.”

Johnson was Director of Choral Activities at the University of Texas at Austin from 1990-2001 and remains an active educator, teaching workshops and clinics statewide, nationally, and internationally. In fall 2012 he became the first Artist-in-Residence at Texas State University School of Music. 22 23 Considering Matthew Shepard went straight to number four on the Billboard Traditional Classic chart in its first week and received a Grammy nomination for Best Surround Sound. In Europe, [PIAS] harmonia mundi’s international re-release of Requiem in 2009 won the Netherlands’ prestigious 2010 Edison Award, the Dutch equivalent of the Grammy. Path of Miracles, 2015, was awarded the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, a highly respected German CD award.

Conspirare received the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from the national service organization Chorus America in 2005, and in 2007 a grant was received from the National Endowment for the Arts under its American Masterpieces initiative. In 2010 the organization received the Dale Warland Singers Commission Award from Chorus America to fund and premiere a new work by Eric Banks.

Conspirare is an internationally recognized, In addition to offering concerts, the group is also professional choral organization now in its committed to an ongoing outreach program which 25th season. includes free community Big Sings and performances Led by founder and artistic director Craig Hella Johnson, the flagship at the Travis County Correctional Complex. ensemble Conspirare is a Grammy® award-winning chamber choir of extraordinarily talented soloists from around the country who come together to perform an annual concert series in Texas and to tour in the Conspirare represented the U.S. at the Eighth World Symposium on U.S. and abroad. Also comprising the organization are the Conspirare Choral Music in Copenhagen in 2008, joining invited choirs from nearly Symphonic Choir, a large ensemble that performs works for chorus, 40 countries. In fall 2012, the group traveled to France for six invited often with an instrumental ensemble, and Conspirare Youth Choirs, performances at the Polyfollia Festival and a public concert in Paris. an educational program including Prelude, Kantorei, and Allegro under And in July 2016, Olavfestdagene presented the group to premiere a the direction of Nina Revering. new work at the annual festival in Trondheim, Norway.

Conspirare has an international recording presence. The group’s 2014 Conspirare has performed in New York City, San Francisco, Minneapolis/ album The Sacred Spirit of Russia, released on the [PIAS] harmonia St. Paul, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and many other U.S. cities, mundi label, won the Grammy for Best Choral Performance. The including appearances as a featured choir at the American Choral ensemble’s complete discography to date includes 12 commercial albums Directors Association (ACDA) annual conference and regional ACDA and 16 self-produced live recordings of its popular holiday concerts. conventions.

The group’s first commercial recording,through the green fuse, was Established in Austin, TX in 1991 as New Texas Music Festival, Conspirare released in 2004 and was followed in 2006 by Requiem which received now performs a full annual season in Austin and Central Texas where it two Grammy nominations. In 2008 Threshold of Night (music by has received ongoing recognition from local organizations and critics, Tarik O’Regan) also received two nominations, including Best Classical including Austin Critic’s Table. Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson was Album. The 2009 PBS television special “A Company of Voices: Conspirare named Texas State Musician for 2013. In addition to offering concerts, in Concert” received the Grammy nomination for Best Classical Crossover, the group is also committed to an ongoing outreach program which and Pablo Neruda: The Poet Sings was nominated for Best Choral includes free community Big Sings and performances at the Travis County Performance in 2016. The group’s recent release of Craig Hella Johnson’s Correctional Facility. Conspirare became a Resident Company of the Long Center for the Performing Arts in 2013. 24 25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARTISTIC & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Season Sustaining Underwriter Nancy Lesch, Chair Craig Hella Johnson Robert Harlan, Vice Chair Artistic Director Tricia Yost, Treasurer William C. Bednar, Secretary Ann McNair Mark W. Bierner Managing Director

Ken Beck 2017/18 Corporate Sponsors Sustainers Roland Barrera Mary Anne Connolly Conspirare Concierge Susanna Finnell Sandy Fivecoat Marianne DeLeon Jerele D. Neeld Chief Development Officer Ozden Ochoa Joni Wallace Rick Gabrillo Foundation Supporters Patrick Willis Associate Conductor Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation The Burdine Johnson Foundation Keating Family Foundation Kodosky Foundation ADVISORY BOARD Robert Harlan One Skye Foundation Red Bird Foundation Stephen Aechternacht Production Consultant Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Shield-Ayres Foundation

John Aielli Still Water Foundation Rachael & Ben Vaughan Foundation Natalie Howard Sue Barnes Eva & Marvin Womack Foundation Lola Wright Foundation Mark Bierner Conspirare Youth Choirs Manager Restaurant Partners Ray Brimble Ben R. King David Claflin Production Assistant Tom Driskoll Virginia Dupuy Meri Krueger Public Agency Sponsors Maydelle Fason Artist Relations JoLynn Free This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department. Billy Gammon Jaime Leighton Vance George Production Administrator Helen Hays Dan Herd Kathy Leighton William B. Hilgers House Manager Media Sponsor Wayne Holtzman Judith Jellison Rachel McGinnis Meissner Bob Murphy Media Coordinator In-Kind Sponsors Lynn Murphy Cliff Redd Jane Ramirez Gayle Glass Roche Business Manager

Nancy Scanlan Nina Revering Angela Smith Conspirare Youth Choirs Director CityJewell Bernadette Tasher Louann Temple Outreach Partners Eva Womack Midge Woolsey

26 27 We thank each individual, foundation, business, government & city agency for your Carolyn J. Keating* Gregory Cash Durham & Bob Gutermuth investment in Conspirare and in our mission to change lives through the power of Mary Kevorkian & Tom Holzbach* Ann B. Fields music. This list represents gifts made from March 1, 2016 through January 5, 2018. Cheline Jaidar* Khris Ford When we make music, we make it together. Karen Kibler & Tom Grimes Susan & John Fox Kathleen Kinney+ Frost Bank, Laura Pinto * Denotes Hella Circle Member David & Tina Knobel*+ Mary Nell Frucella+ + Denotes Considering Matthew Shepard donor Angie & Steve Larned+ Evelyn & Rick Gabrillo+ Kathy & Henry Leighton Carlo Gavino & Andy Snyder $50,000 + $5,000-$9999 Susan & Craig Lubin Mary Gifford Anonymous James Arth+ Thomas Lukens+ Kim & Steve Gilbert City of Austin – Cultural Arts Division Nancy & Randy Baden* Marcia Manhart Kendal & Ken Gladish Fran & Larry Collmann*+ Linda & Nick van Bavel Ann McNair* Glenda Goehrs*+ Lynne Dobson & Greg Wooldridge* Nancy Lesch & Janet Bezner*+ Michele Morrison Maria & Eric Groten Carol & Chris Elms*+ Mark Bierner*+ Margaret Murray-Miller & Carl Caricari*+ Gusto Italian Kitchen H-E-B Tournament of Champions Red Bird Foundation, Paula D’Arcy Rebecca & Phil Powers Carol & Bob Hayden* The Kodosky Foundation, Gail & Jeff Kodosky Ginger & Michael Blair*+ Teresa Ringness* Jordan Herman+ National Endowment for the Arts+ Janis & David Claflin* Daniel Seriff Joan & Paul Hudson* South Texas Money Management Catherine Clark+ Brenda & Larry Smith Pam & Rick Huffman Still Water Foundation Mary Anne Connolly*+ Elizabeth & Duff Stewart+ IBM Matching Grants Program Robin & Malcolm Cooper Marion Lear Swaybill Karen & Gerald Jacknow $20,000-$49,999 Beverly Dale+ Bernadette Tasher* Daniel Jackson Anonymous (2)++ Mary & Phil Delk John C. R. Taylor & Peter Flagg Maxson Frances Johns Patti Troth & Richard Black* Joanne & John Earls Hettie Tetzlaff & Don Gunn Julie Keim Pat & Robert Brueck Sandy & Bill Fivecoat*+ Sandra & Bob Tomlinson+ Allison Kelly Dixie Camp Jolynn & Gregory Free* Toyota U.S.A., Corey Proffitt+ Michael Kentor Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation Karen & Paul Galindo+ Julia & Patrick Willis*+ Stephanie & Robert Kincheloe Wendi & Brian Kushner Cynthia Gonzales & Bill Guajardo*+ Patricia & Chris Yost* Timothy Koock Lee Manford & Casey Blass*+ Helen & Bob Hays Claire Korioth One Skye Foundation, Danny Hamilton & Paul Hilliard+ $1,000-$2,499 Jeanne Langston & Donald Grantham Karen & Ray Brimble & Family+ Sherry & Gary Jacobson*+ Ameriprise Financial Lou Ann & Bill Lasher Texas Commission on the Arts Keating Family Foundation Anonymous (3) Cindy Libera+ Rachael & Ben F. Vaughan Foundation Carol & Jack McGuire Shannon Armstrong Emily Little+ Kathleen & Jim Wicoff*+ Becky & Ted Mercado* Margaret & Robert Ayres Alaire & Thomas Lowry+ Jeanie & Bill Wyatt Suzanne Mitchell & Richard Zansitis* Beverly Barr Mim Luetje & Garrett Beauvais Stefanie Moore & Todd Keister+ Laurie & Britt Barr Sheila Lummis* $10,000-$19,999 Elizabeth & Jerele Neeld* Bonnie Baskin Austin Community Foundation+ Melissa Marse & Andy Hopwood Ozden Ochoa Joyce & Ken Beck*+ Suzanne & Eric Batchelder Catherine Mauzy & Hans Magnusson Bill Bednar* Stu Phillips* Becky Beaver & John Duncan Sue & Phil Maxwell Eric Copper+ Daphne & Steve Pyhrr Margaret & Robert Berdahl Joyce Mayer Jim Ferguson & Art Sansone+ Linda & Robert Ramsey+ Victoria & Robert Bergin* Leigh McAlister Finkelstein Foundation Duane Roth* Anne Bertholf* Ruth & Bob McGregor+ Susanna & Richard Finnell*+ Cyndee & David Rust, Quartz Financial Ann & Jeff Bomer Sara McIntosh+ Dee Garcia+ Susanne Tetzlaff & Eric Tiblier Vera Ayres Bowen Debe & Kevin McKeand Lara & Robert Harlan*+ Johanna & Mitch Vernick+ Marvin Brittman* Vance McMahan+ Richard Hartgrove & Gary Cooper+ Julia & Stephen Wilkinson Kathleen & Paul Brown* Milton Miller Jeanne & Van Hoisington Lola Wright Foundation Kay Brumley Bonnie Mills Estate of Lewis Hoffacker Shirley Burger The Burdine Johnson Foundation Suzi & Douglas Nelson $2,500-$4,999 Sarah & Ernest Butler William Nemir Craig Hella Johnson & Phil Overbaugh*+ Anonymous (2) James & Greg Bryant Eric Neuville Trish & Robert Karli* Claudia & Stephen Aechternacht Janet Carlsen Campbell Cynthia & Lip Norvell Eric Leibrock*+ David Beilharz Nancy Quinn & Thomas Driscoll+ Richard Campbell Sylvia Noteware Shelley Carter Susan & Jack Robertson*+ Annette Carlozzi & Dan Bullock Monica & John Per O’Sullivan Fleur Christensen Gayle & Mike Roche* Alice & Gary Childress Dian Graves Owen Foundation Danna & John Crutchfield+ Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Nathasha & David Collmann Linda & Paul Parrish*+ Janice & Rowland Curry* Nancy Scanlan+ CAS Consulting Delisa & Ron Pettit Marianne DeLeon* Per Stirling Group Mary Lockwood Crouch Carol Ann Pevehouse* Dell Giving Program Shield-Ayres Foundation Michael DiLeo Cat & Rudy Prince Joni Wallace*+ Carr Hornbuckle & Jack Leifer+ Rena & Richard D’Souza Jane Ramirez* Eva & Marvin Womack Marjorie Johnson* 28 29 Flo Ann Randle* Cina Crisara Aurelia Palubeckas Paul Carapetyan Susan & Forest Rees Catherine Crutchfield Light Dixie & John Paulos Mike Chesser Louise Reeser Margaret & Marc Curtis* Dee Anne & Steven Paulson Kathryn & Michael Coffey Louis Renaud Nancy Curtis Sonny Payne Janie Cook Kimberly & Dan Renner Sandra Derby Sherie Pfister Lisa Cowan Dean Revering Nina & Jeffrey DiLeo Karen & Allen Pope Karel Dahmen Lynn & Dick Rew Rena Dsouza Brian Powell Robert Dailey Judy & Douglas Rhodes Sharon Duboise Linda Ball & Forrest Preece Mela Sarajane Dailey & Peter Bay+ Candy Rogers Kerry Edwards Joel Quade Louie & Suzanne Danuser Roseann & Ben Roth Clifford Ernst Joanne & Jerome Ravel Tynan Davis Augustin Rubio Constance & Rex Esau Karin Richmond* Jo Scurlock & Rick Dillard Jeanmarie & Scott Rust Maydelle & Sam Fason Michal Rosenberger Kathryn Doane Bobbye & Allan Sawatzky Sylvia Fatzer Hannah Temple & Chris Sanders Dorothy Drummer & Greg Eden Virginia McDermott & William Schleuse Susan Nash Fekety Laura & Arnie Sanders Doree Dutoit & Tim Tengblad Tony Sessi Constance & Thomas Foster Mary & Jo-Michael Scheibe Melissa Eddy & Tracy Schiemenz* Marilyn Sharratt Cheryl Fuller* Jan & Harold Schneider Johnathan Edwards John Shore Henry Geneczko Barbara Schutz Bruce Eldridge Jare & Jim Smith Joan & David George Oliver Scofield & Michael Clohesy+ George Elliman Debbie & William Stassen Rob & Liz Gilbert Carole & Charles Sikes Gwen & Bruce Flory James Stolpa Dean Goodermote Silicon Valley Community Foundation Melinda & Robert Floyd Kerry Tate+ Denise & Robert Gomez Holly Smyth Kim Ford Ingrid & James Taylor Carol Anne Graham & Jerry Llewellyn Mae Stoll Jill & Terry Frisbie Michelle Tobias Deena Graham+ Cason Swindle Judy & Frank Gordon Patricia Tollison Richard Gray Kay Taylor & Charles Singletary Melissa Gray Anne & William Wagner Peggy Greenawalt Colleen & Tom Terkel Desi Koome & Gary Greenblum Wayzata High School Choir Jonathan Guyton Jennifer & Scott Tiller Julie Hagey David Webber Karen Hale & Al Lindsey Faith & Don Trapp+ Charlotte Hale Steve Wilson Glenn Haluska Twin Liquors, Sandra Spalding West Hansen Peggy Howard & Bill Wood* Cynthia Harkness Jane & John Valenstein+ Martha & David Harrington James Wood+ Jim & Mary Hornbuckle+ Anne & Tony Vance Karen & Leroy Haverlah Young & Pratt David Hunt Mary Walker-Chyle Roxie & Jim Hayne Joyce Zehr & Marvin Burke Judith Jellison & Robert Duke Amy Welsh Benjamin Heller Beth & Greg Judd+ Andrew West Jane Hembree $500-$999 Vonciel & Larry Keister Peite White Margaret Henderson Apple Inc. Patricia Kellam Shari Wilson & Jason Shestok Kelli & Van Jr. Hoisington Barbara & Kevin Barry Abby Kenigsberg Karla & James Wintle Judith Horton Pat & Cindy Behling Karen & Donald Kirmis Lynda Young & Harris Kaffie Houston Masterworks Chorus Jeremy Bencken+ Donna Knox Brian & Amy Huber Mary Parse & Klaus Bichteler Dina Kuntz $250-$499 Melissa Huebsch-Stroud K’Andrea Bickerstaff Al Lambert Carol & Chris Adams Meta Butler Hunt & Trent Miller Birdsong Insurance JJ Langston Amazon Smile Campaign Royce Hunter Jennifer & Charles Botchway Ronald Jernigan Anton Armstrong Carolyn Hynson Phyllis Bourque & Shelley Taylor Bonnie & Sidney Lanier Robbie & Tom Ausley Sylvia & David Jabour Jennifer Braham Dana MacLaren Deanna Badgett Prerna Jain George Brennan Aditya P. Mathur Marcia & Bob Bailey Karen & Peter Jakes Carmine Salvucci & Steve Brister+ Suzanne McAllister Roland Barrera* De’Evin Johnson* Linda & George Brown+ Janet McCullar+ Ingrid & Nathan Bick Eric Johnson Lisa McLean & Michael Dennis Browne Kay & Tom McHorse Pat Black Nahid & Ali Khataw Brad Buchholz Karen McLaughlin Kelly & John Brownlee Lynn & David Kindler Denise & Timothy Burke Janie Keys & Ivan Milman Beth Ann Bryan Lynda & Randy Kirk Judy & John Bush Linda Monk Eve Bryant Gretchen Olson Kopp Chris & Bill Bussell+ Fran & Steven Moss Kyle & Amy Bryson Daryl Kunik Shawna Butler Chandra Muller & William Beckner Neil Bubke Charles Landgraf Patricia Cherico Rebecca Muniz Carla Burzyk Roberta & Richard Lang Arne Christenson Beverly Newsom Viera Buzgova Hillary Larson Bob Clagett* Genie & Randy Norris Anne & Samuel Byars Dell Lawhead Lisa & Eric Craven Sally Fly & John Nyfeler Candyce Byrne & Tom Sears* Gomer Lesch James Callahan Kati Lewis 30 31 Karoline Liu Amy Swartz DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Eric Copper Cameron Lockley* Mary & Rusty Tally Eric began his commitment to Conspirare Teresa & Krzysztof Lyson Linda & John Thomas by being part of an extraordinary group of Leslie & Les Mashburn Meredith Thomas people who have given Considering Matthew Gitanjali Mathur & Ciji Isen Dale & Roy Truitt Shepard wings. Not only did he invest Nick Mayo & Michael Hartmann Trudy Waters & John Bennett Marsha McCary Rohani Weger substantially in the success of the work, he also Julie & Jerry McCoy Joseph Weir & Carl Braden introduced the music to his network of friends, Kari McDonald Katherine & Steve White and engaged them in conversations about love Heather McElhaney Ginny & Geoff Willig Everett McKinley Susan Willis and acceptance. With his help, Considering M.J. McReynolds Cynthia Wilson Matthew Shepard will begin the second Marcy & John Melanson Kira Winter leg of its tour on Feb 21, 2018 in Dallas, Glenn Miller Josephine Wolfer Texas; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Oxford and Phyllis Miller Katherine Wright Rebecca Miller Tim Young+ Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Mike Mitchell Tonya Mixson Conspirare also thanks all donors of Growing up in a family of realtors, real estate is part of Eric’s DNA. Ann Moody gifts under $250 and regrets that space Gary Keller, founder of Keller Williams Realty International, quickly Evan Morgan does not permit listing of each name. Melanie & Peter Mullan Your support is equally appreciated. recognized Eric’s leadership and emergence into the Austin market, Toni & Joseph Murgo We strive to publish an accurate donor hiring Eric in 2006 as the broker for his flagship offices. Eric led over Samantha Murray list. If an error or omission is noted, 1600 agents and was responsible for over 7,000 transactions and $1B William Nichols please let us know. in sales annually. Since 2012, Eric was recognized as the #1 Top-Selling Christopher Novosad Karen Olson Agent in his company of over 800 agents and ranked #5 by the Sara Ortiz Austin Business Journal. Eric is a member of the Platinum Top 50 and Patricia Paulus Elite 25™ organizations. Andrea Peck Jean Permann Eileen & Michael Pestorius Born and raised in Chicago, Eric relocated to Austin in 2000. He is Ann Phipps & Michael Cannatti actively involved in the community serving as a major contributor, and Douglas Plummer+ volunteering his time and leadership, to several non-profit organizations Paula Priour Lisa & Robert Radebaugh that he is passionate about. In his free time, Eric enjoys traveling, Keely Rhodes riding his bike, boating, and skiing. He is a member of the Conspirare Chris Richter Symphonic Choir, and periodically performs in Austin musicals. Eric is Sally & Andy Ritch an active member of the Boards of Trustees for The Long Center for the Sara Robertson Leilani Rose Performing Arts and Zach Theatre. His most treasured time is with family Deborah & Ed Rupp* and friends. Sondra & Robert Ryan Kirsten & John Ryden Safeway Inc. Senaida San Miguel April Schweighart Terry & Jennifer Scoggin Valerie Serice Jackie & Bob Shapiro Kay Sherrill Bea Ann Smith Debi Smith Judy Leatherwood Smith Anna & Don Sorensen Kate Sullivan Patrice Sullivan Alexis Stokes

32 33 Conspirare Ambassadors Production Team Conspirare Cares: Conspirare Youth Choirs Julie Adams Christy Butler, Taja Beekley Printed Program Content Director Founded in 2005 as an educational Ellen Blair Jennifer Braham, Program Design outreach program of the Grammy® Gay Bullard Viera Buzgova, Stage Manager award–winning ensemble Amy Cook Dr. Cynthia Gonzales, Transcription Conspirare, the Conspirare Youth Stephanie Foster Robert Harlan, Stage Manager Barbara Grajski The University of Texas Butler School Choirs seek out and train young Henry Leighton of Music musicians who share a love for, Beverly McCune Pat Reed Friends & Supporters and commitment to, creating Brink Creative Cynthia Reynolds music at a high level of excellence. Chez Zee Peach Reynolds CityJewell Through thematic programming, Lauren Vick Melissa Givens high production values, and intensive sight–singing/music theory curriculum, Carol Walker Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar CYC follows in Conspirare’s footsteps in crafting profound and meaningful Our ambassadors are critical for welcoming Jessen Auditorium performances in Austin as well as regionally and internationally. Collaborators audiences, promoting upcoming concerts, Kick Butt Coffee, Thomas Gohring include Austin Symphony, Ballet Austin, Austin City Limits (with the Oscar® and housing out-of-town artists. Your skills KLRU award–winning band Swell Season, and Grammy® award winner Christopher and hospitality would be welcomed additions KMFA KUT/KUTX Cross), La Follia Austin Baroque, and Austin Opera. CYC singers were honored to our community, and we invite you to engage in the following roles: front-of-house: Joey Martin, Texas State University La Follia to perform for the Texas Music Educators Association conference in 2009 ushers, merchandise retailers, reception hosts, Marquee and Southwestern American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA) in 2014. administration: music librarians, press archivists, McCarthy Print They will return to SWACDA for an invited performance as a headliner on administrative assistants, hospitality, short-term Phillip Overbaugh housing hosts March 8 in Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall. The choir is directed by Sala & Betty founding Artistic Director Nina Revering. We welcome music lovers of all ages to participate. Texas Performing Arts If you’re interested in giving back to Conspirare Tiki2 For audition information visit conspirare.org/youth-choirs and enjoying a free performance as our thank you, Travis County Correctional Complex please visit conspire.org or email University Federal Credit Union The University of Texas Butler School Kathy Leighton at [email protected] of Music The Conspirare Youth Choirs seek out and FEATURED AMBASSODOR Barbara Grajski train young musicians The Conspirare Christmas concert in 2016 sparked my interest who share a love for in becoming an Ambassador. I had moved to Georgetown, and commitment to and a friend invited me to join a group that has attended creating music at a the Christmas concerts for many years. I had never seen or heard a choral group that blended so many types of music high level of excellence. together so seamlessly – it was love at first listen! Shortly afterward, I mentioned to a friend how much I was impressed by Conspirare and, as luck would have it, she is the sister of Kathy Leighton, Conspirare’s House Manager and Ambassador Coordinator. She put me in touch with Kathy, and the rest is history in the making! My first experience as an Ambassador was the Considering Matthew Shepard performance. It was one of the most moving pieces of music I have ever experienced and touched me deeply. I really enjoyed interacting with the patrons; Kathy and the other Ambassadors made me feel welcome right away.

I retired to Texas, my home state, after many years of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a career in legal recruiting. I love music of all kinds, from classical to jazz to rock to world music. One of my goals in retirement is to give back to the community, and I am sure that participating in Conspirare will be an important part of those efforts.

34 35 La Follia Austin Baroque . . Keith Womer, Director Stephen Redfield, Concertmaster TENTS ▪ FURNITURE ▪ LINENS (512) 491-7368 AUSTIN ▪ SAN ANTONIO ▪ TEXAS HILL COUNTRY 2016 Recipient of Austin Critic’s Table Award for Ensemble Performance

2011, 2012 and 2016 Concerts cited among 2017-18 Concert Season: All Bach! Top 10 Classical Music September 23 Brandenburg Concertos 3, 5, 6 Events in Austin Austin Chronicle, KMFA October 1415 Bach Chamber Music

Tickets available now! January 56 Bach’s Herd of Harpsichords Concertos for 14 harpsichords http://lafollia.org (512) 879-6404 February 1718 Cantatas 151, 82, and 8 (as Bach performed them) This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development April 78 Concerto Concert Department with Anton Nel on harpsichord

We’re Saving A Chair For You! Considering Matthew Shepard Encore Performances FEBRUARY 2018

21st | Dallas Moody Performance Hall 25th | Lincoln, NE Lied Center for the Performing Arts At Chez Zee we love birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, engagements, baby showers. 27th | Oxford, MS Celebrations for all of life’s events. We make Amazing cakes & create Magical Celebrations. Ford Center for the Performing Arts All scratch bakery; daily fish specials, 28th | Hattiesburg, MS happy hour, weekend brunch. Mannoni Performing Arts Center Fresh, local ingredients. Many Gluten Free options. 5406 Balcones Dr. | Austin Texas MakeTake a your reservation Celebration today. photo 512.454.2666in our New • chezzee.com Big Chair! 512.454.2666 | chezzee.com Launched to Celebrate 25 Years of Conspirare’s Artistry

Hella Circle is a community of supporters who believe in the transformative power of music. Inspired by the visionary performances, recordings, and special projects of Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare, Hella Circle members are joined by their commitment to sustained support of Conspirare’s next 25 years and beyond.

proud supporter of the arts in austin

Contact Marianne DeLeon at 512.476.5775 or [email protected] sign up today: www.conspirare.org/HellaCircle

Lunch & Dinner Drive Thru & Saturday Brunch 512 • 645 • 0214 5210 Airport Blvd. Austin, Texas 78751 www.salaandbettyatx.com Engage The 2017-18 Essential Series the Heart DANCE. through Song! CHAMBER. VOICE. u v JAZZ. Philip Glass Ensemble KOYAANISQATSI FEB 23 243725 SONG Text Receive/ DRAGONS. Godfrey Reggio’s SONG to click on 1982 “environmental masterpiece,” 243725 text link KOYAANISQATSI, will be SONG FILM. accompanied by a live film score.

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$75,000 $75,000 Enter Submit amount your of your donation gift texasperformingarts.org Sing with CYC

Mid-season auditions for Spring 2018 will be held until February 11.

. Submit a request at conspirare.org/youth-choirs/join-us/audition/

Conspirare Christmas available now!

Purchase tonight in the lobby, or online at conspirare.org

43 Save the Date! Conspirare Youth Choirs DREAMCATCHER May 12, 2018 7:30 St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Gala TO BENEFIT

April 19, 2018 where the audience is the choir B RAZOS HALL coming to a venue near you twice this spring! May 3, 6pm at Redeemer Presbyterian Second date coming soon. Check our upcoming events online and be the first to know. Delight the heart and awaken the soul with members of Grammy® conspirare.org award-winning Conspirare and Symphonic Choirs, featuring Lauren Snouffer and Craig Hella Johnson. Join us for Hidden Music in the “garden of spirit” as we begin a retrospective look into Conspirare’s past and create the foundation for a visionary future.

For tickets and sponsorships, please visit: https://conspirare.org/event/hidden-music-2018/ or call 512.476.5775