&& Thursday, February 20, 2020, 7:30pm St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Pre-concert talk at 6:30pm with Dianne Donovan, Andrea Clearfield and Mirabai Starr.

February 23, 2020, 4pm St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Pre-concert talk at 3pm with Kathlene Ritch. Please join us for a post-concert reception at Scholz Garden, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.

Craig Hella Johnson Artistic Director

Formerly South Texas Money Management

SAN ANTONIO | AUSTIN | | Season Sustaining Underwriter & Performance Sponsor CORPUS CHRISTI | BRENHAM

1 VANGUARD II PROGRAM NOTES Salutation Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977) Hear Today Salutation was composed for a cappella to a poem by Bengali poet and musician Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941). The music takes up the Thank you for your presence at these concerts. We spiritual message of the poem, that we live our lives in one salutation to gather this week for a listening journey to continue God ending back in an eternal home. to experience the music of today. Whether you attend one or both concerts, you will hear a wide A Drop in the Ocean Ēriks Ešenvalds variety of choral expression coming from several This work was composed in 2006 as a tribute to Mother Teresa of distinctive compositional voices from a broad cultural Calcutta. Ešenvalds splits the choir into ten parts and uses several spectrum. We are devoted to performing music from underrepresented voices whose music has not reached modern compositional effects: wind noise and soaring whistles, voices our concert halls to the extent they need to. This is a trailing in shadow-like fashion behind others, rapidly repeated text on vibrant and dynamic time to be alive and to hear music through this medium we single pitches, texts whispered and then spoken in alternated rhythms, call ‘choir.’ So many of our finest are discovering that the choir is an aleatoric melodic patterns repeated in the women’s voices. All this musical astonishingly powerful and versatile instrument to create for. In the midst of these complexity takes place during the beloved prayer of St. Francis of Assisi works, I hope you will enjoy the opportunity to hear our soloists stepping forward (“Lord, make me a channel of your peace”), which gives way to a sonorous from the ensemble, bringing their own unique colors and interpretive gifts. middle section on a text from Psalm 55 (“Oh, that I had the wings of a dove, I would fly away from the storm”). This boils down to the words of We cherish the opportunity to build relationships with composers. In the Mother Theresa set in a simple, mantra-like fashion (“My work is nothing Vanguard II program, we are so thrilled to present the world premiere but a drop in the ocean, but if I did not put that drop, the ocean would be performance of Andrea Clearfieled’s setting of Mirabia Starr’s “Prayer to the one drop the less.”). Shechinah.” Andrea’s works are truly inspired, thought-provoking, beautiful works. I hope you will take the opportunity to meet Andrea and Mirabai, both of whom will be in attendance for the performance. Many of you responded to so quietly Caroline Shaw (b. 1982) Caroline Shaw’s penetrating work, “to the hands” – Vanguard II features of work “so quietly” is an unfolding and an amplification of the voices of from Caroline for treble voices. And we will sing music of Ēriks Ešenvalds, individuals who do not feel empowered to speak up, to contribute to a a particularly facile choral from Latvia whose works are becoming conversation, to perhaps point out an injustice or offer a solution. It could immensely popular. be a tendency to swallow words or backtrack when voicing an idea or opinion in a meeting, or a broader discomfort with engaging politically in Contemporary and Classic brings a special focus to the vocal artistry of the society. This piece begins with text that is blurred, muted, and unsure of singers. The Mass for Double Choir of Frank Martin has become a itself, eventually transforming into something focused, bright, strong, and classic in the past two decades and is a singer favorite, to be sure. The exciting joyfully outspoken. interplay of voices in this rich and varied texture is thrilling. We return to the music of Paul Ayre’s with his provocative setting of one of Martin Luther Kin Jr.’s sermons. These works are juxtaposed with Jonathan Dove’s choral song cycle setting poetry expressing loss and hope through the poetry of William Blake, Emily Dickinson, George Peele, Thomas Nashe, and Alfred Lord Tennyson.

It is our joy to come together with you as these voices inform our listening and inspire our collective imagination with their new perspectives in choral music.

2 3 VANGUARD II PROGRAM NOTES VANGUARD II PROGRAM Madrigals After Dowland Michael Gilbertson (b.1987) Salutation Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977) II. Burst Forth, My Tears III. Come, Heavy Sleep A Drop in the Ocean Ēriks Ešenvalds Gilbertson’s Madrigals is based on anonymous texts from lute songs by the Mela Sarajane Dailey, Soprano English composed John Dowland (1563-1626). This piece is dedicated to a dear friend of Gilbertson’s, Deidre Westpfahl, who died of bone cancer so quietly Caroline Shaw (b. 1982) at the age of 20. More of his music can be heard in the 2006 documentary Lauren McAllister, Alto & Nina Revering, Soprano Rehearsing A Dream, which was nominated for an Academy Award. Madrigals After Dowland Michael Gilbertson (b. 1987) Messe “Cum Jubilo” Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) II. Burst Forth, My Tears II. Kyrie Stefanie Moore & Nina Revering, Soprano Duruflé’s masterpiece, the Requiem, began as an unfinished organ suite III. Come, Heavy Sleep based on the plainchants for the Mass for the Dead. This movement Fotina Naumenko, Soprano & David Kurtenbach, tenor represents perhaps the most inspired music Duruflé ever composed. It is written in the traditional three parts of a Kyrie. The first and third parts are The Soul Selects her own Society Mari Esabel Valverde (b. 1987) composed in a style inspired by Renaissance contrapuntal motets. Duruflé Laura Mercado Wright, Alto had so absorbed the Renaissance idiom and had developed such a mastery at contrapuntal composition (independently-moving voice parts) that he Messe “Cum Jubilo” Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) was able to compose in this antique style with complete naturalness. And, II. Kyrie rather than using Renaissance harmonies, he spoke with his own harmonic language, thus creating music that was both ancient and Twentieth Century. I Will Be Earth Gwyneth Walker (b. 1947)

Everyone who has come to love Duruflé’s music has, at one point or another, Prayer to the Shechinah Andrea Clearfield (b. 1960) uttered the phrase, “Oh, I wish he had written more!” Indeed, is there any other major composer who has published only thirteen works, only four of The Fruit of Silence Peteris Vasks (b. 1946) which are for choir. – Dennis Keene Underneath the Stars Kate Rusby (b. 1973) arr. Jim Clement (b. 1983) Prayer to the Shechinah Andrea Clearfield (b. 1960) Stefanie Moore, soprano Prayer to the Shechinah was commissioned by Conspirare and , and set to poetry by Mirabai Starr. The piece is an hommage to the Shechinah, the feminine face of God, whose Hebrew name translates as the dwelling place of the divine. The Shechinah is at once gentle and fierce, ethereal and yet manifest. The work is a prayer and a plea to the Shechinah to be with us now during the peril of these times, to “restore wholeness to our fragmented souls”. The music alternates between rhapsodic solos, reverent hymn-like passages, and more urgent propulsive rhythms. With gratitude to the Brush Creek Foundation, The Copland House and the Ragdale Foundation for providing invaluable time and space to compose this work. – Andrea Clearfield

4 5 VANGUARD II TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS VANGUARD II TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS Salutation Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! Oh, the wings of a dove! In one salutation to thee, my God, I would fly away, I would flee far away and be at rest. let all my senses spread out and touch this world at thy feet. I would find my place of shelter far from the tempest and storm. – Psalm 55: 6–8 Like a rain-cloud of July hung low with its burden of unshed showers Ah, Jesus, you are my God, let all my mind bend down at thy door in one salutation to thee. Jesus, you are my spouse, Jesus, my life, my love, my all in all. Let all my songs gather together their diverse strains into a single current and flow to a sea of silence in one salutation to thee. My work is nothing but a drop in the ocean, but if I did not put that drop, the ocean would be one drop the less. Like a flock of homesick cranes flying night and day – Mother Teresa of Calcutta back to their mountain nests let all my life take its voyage to its eternal home so quietly in one salutation to thee. Maybe maybe – Rabindranath Tagore Never you mind I Maybe I could A Drop in the Ocean If you maybe Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Could Adveniat regnum tuum. It would be Fiat voluntas tua sicut in caelo et in terra. Something I Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, Wonder could et dimitte nobis debita nostra, You maybe I could be sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem: sed libera nos a malo. Never would I Amen Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, I don’t wanna be quiet thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, I’ll just sit here and forgive us our debts, I won’t just sit here and be quiet as we forgive our debtors. I know I can make a difference And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. I will be Amen – Luke 11: 2b–4 I’ll just sit here so quietly I won’t sit here so quietly Lord, make me a channel of your peace, I will be a difference in the room Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, let me sow pardon, I’m gonna be Where there is discord, let me sow harmony, Ever singing Where there is error, I may bring truth, – Caroline Shaw Where there is doubt, let me sow faith, Where there’s despair, let me sow hope, Where there is darkness, I may bring light, Where there is sadness, I may bring joy. – St Francis of Assisi

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Madrigals After Dowland (selected movements) Kyrie – from Messe “Cum Jubilo” II. Burst Forth, My Tears Kyrie eleison Burst forth, burst forth my tears, Christe eleison And show pain love provokes. Kyrie eleison Kind lambs lament love’s scant relief, And cares my freedom yokes. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Sad cares that never may have peace, Lord have mercy. Knock at beauty’s gate. While mercy sleeps, disdain increase, I Will Be Earth O grieve, my tender flocks. I will be earth, you be the flower, – Anonymous 16th Century from song by John Dowland, You have found my root, you are the rain, adapted by Michael Gilbertson I will be boat, and you the rower. You rock me and toss me, you are the sea. III. Come, Heavy Sleep Come, heavy sleep, the image of true death, How be steady earth that is now a flood. And close my weary eyes, The root is the oar afloat where has blown our bud. Whose spring of tears doth stop my vital breath We will be desert, pure salt the seed. And tears my heart with cries Burn radiant love, born scorpion need. Come, possess my tired soul, – May Swenson That living dies, that living dies, Till thou on me bestole. Prayer to the Shechinah O Shechinah, Come, shadow of my end. yours is the feminine face of the Holy, Allied to death, and night; the luminous moon who lights up the night Come thou, and charm these rebels, as we travel from captivity to liberation, Who do my mind affright. the pillar of fire who guides our way home, Come, sweet sleep, or die forever; the cloud hovering over the mountain peaks, Come, my sleep, or come thou never. living sign that the drought is over. – Anonymous 16th Century, adapted by Michael Gilbertson You are the indwelling presence of the Divine. Whenever we gather to praise the One The Soul Selects her own Society you are here in our midst. The Soul selects her own Society — When we cry out for justice Then — shuts the Door — you make our hearts tender. To her divine Majority — When we stand with those on the margins Present no more — you make our legs strong. When we create works of art Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing — and parent our children At her low Gate — and harvest our gardens Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling you guide and sustain us. Upon her Mat — You are the Sabbath Bride, the Beloved, returned from exile. I’ve known her — from an ample nation — You restore balance in our relationships Choose One — and wholeness to our fragmented souls. Then — close the Valves of her attention — You infuse our lovemaking with honey. Like Stone — You fill the cup of our hearts, – Emily Dickinson which tremble with longing,

8 9 VANGUARD II TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS VANGUARD II TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS with the wine of your answering love. Underneath the Stars You are the song of our homecoming. Underneath the stars I’ll meet you You are the Sabbath Queen, the Great Mother, Underneath the stars I’ll greet you who sits at the heart of the table There beneath the stars I’ll leave you tearing off hunks of the secret bread Before you go of your own free will that contains the exact flavor each of us loves best. You feed us all, Go gently the proud and the repentant, the believer and the skeptic, Underneath the stars you met me from your own hands. Underneath the stars you left me Your unconditional forgiveness dissolves otherness. I wonder if the stars regret me O Shecnhinah, At least you’ll go of your own free will we are the vessel for your inflowing. Your radiance requires the clay of our embodiment. Go gently Your flame burns at the core of the earth. Your warmth penetrates the seedbed and animates the seedlings. Here beneath the stars I’m landing You bless the head of every animal And here beneath the stars not ending and kiss the tear-streaked face of humanity. Why on earth am I pretending? You are the vision that builds community, I’m here again, the stars befriending and you are our refuge They come and go of their own free will when the fabric of community unravels. Be with us now Go gently as we navigate the landscape of mystery Go gently where your most cherished attributes — wild mercy and boundless compassion, Underneath the stars you met me righteousness and wisdom — And Underneath the stars you left me seem to be cast aside and trampled I wonder if the stars regret me by imperious world powers I’m sure they’d like me if they only met me and we are paralyzed by helplessness. They come and go of their own free will Help us. – Kate Rusby May we remember you and lift you up. May we recognize your face and celebrate your beauty in everything and everyone, everywhere, always. AMEN. – Mirabai Starr “Prayer of the Shekinah” excerpted from “Wild Mercy” (c) 2019 Mirabai Starr used with permission from the author and the publisher, Sounds True, Inc.

The Fruit of Silence The fruit of silence is prayer The fruit of prayer is faith The fruit of faith is love The fruit of love is service The fruit of service is peace. – Mother Teresa

10 11 CONTEMPORARY & CLASSIC PROGRAM NOTE CONTEMPORARY & CLASSIC PROGRAM I would rather die than hate you Paul Ayres (b. 1970) On Friendship Ēriks Ešenvalds For their 2017-2018 season, Mark Sumner and the University of California Berkeley Alumni Chorus commissioned a pair of pieces from me: “This life I would rather die than hate you Paul Ayres (b. 1970) is not righteousness” (words by Martin Luther, to mark the 500th anniversary of the start of the (2017) and “I would rather die than hate you” Faire is the Heaven William Harris (1883-1973) (words by Martin Luther King, to mark the 50th anniversary of his death (2018)). I spent a long time reading through the writings and sermons of The Passing of the Year Jonathan Dove (b. 1959) both pastors, and greatly increased my hitherto rather patchy knowledge I. Invocation of both of their lives. One of the noticeable features of Martin Luther King’s II. The narrow bud opens her beauties to the sun words is their poetic, lilting rhythm: they have a spoken-out-loud quality, III. Answer July and even when reading the text on the page, these words seem to enter the IV. Hot sun, cool fire brain through the ear rather than through the eye. It was quite a humbling V. Ah, Sun-flower! experience to set this inspiring message to music. In this double-choir setting VI. Adieu! Farewell earth’s bliss! I have tried to create a sense of pace, urgency, conviction, and joy. The first VII. Ring out, wild bells performance of this work took place right here in Austin — it was premiered by the Inversion Ensemble, conducted by Trevor Shaw. Intermission The Passing of the Year The choral song cycle The Passing of the Year was commissioned by the Mass for double choir Frank Martin (1890-1974) London Symphony in 2000 and is dedicated to the memory of I. Kyrie Dove’s mother. The seven movements, set to poems by several prominent II. Gloria poets, trace a journey through the seasons, from the anticipation of summer III. Credo and its eventual steamy arrival, to autumn’s sense of mortality, ending in IV. Sanctus winter with the promise of rebirth and hope to come. V.

Mass for double choir The first four movements of the Mass for Double Choir were completed in 1922, the Agnus Dei being added four years later, but Martin did not allow the work to be performed until 1963. After its premiere he explained why it had remained unseen and unheard for all those years: ‘I considered it to be a matter between God and myself,‘ he wrote. ‘I felt that a personal expression of religious belief should remain secret and hidden from public opinion.‘

Martin’s Mass is notable for its flowing rhythmic and melodic vitality – always at the service of the words – and the juxtaposition of austere, restrained music, often based around a pedal note, with rich harmonic writing of consider able passion and great beauty. Although there are no actual plainsong themes in the work, the influence of Gregorian plainsong is never far away, not least at the very opening where a simple, flowing alto line gradually unfolds, soon to be taken up by the sopranos and then supported by the full .

Since its first performance in 1963 the reputation of Martin’s Mass hassteadily grown, and it is now recognised as one of the great masterpieces of unaccompanied choral music. – John Bawden 12 13 CONTEMPORARY & CLASSIC TEXT & TRANSLATIONS CONTEMPORARY & CLASSIC TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS On Friendship Men must see that force begets force, hate begets hate, toughness begets Your friend is your needs answered. toughness. She is your field which you sow with love. And it is all a descending spiral, ultimately ending in destruction for all and She is your board and your fireside. everybody. For you come to her with your hunger; you seek her for peace, for peace. Somebody must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate When your friend speaks her mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, and the chain of evil in the universe. And you do that by love. nor do you withhold the “ay.” And when she is silent your heart ceases not to listen to her heart; ... So this morning, as I look into your eyes, and into the eyes of all of my brothers in And let your best be for your friend. Alabama If she must know the ebb of your tide, let her know its flood too. and all over America and over the world, I say to you, “I love you. I would rather die For what is your friend that you should seek her, should seek her with hours to than hate you.” kill? – Martin Luther King Jr. Seek her always with hours to live. For it is hers to fill your need but not your emptiness. Faire is the Heaven And let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. Faire, faire is the heav’n, where happy soules have place, For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning. In full enjoyment of felicitie, When you part from your friend, you grieve not, Whence they doe still behold the glorious face for that which you love most in her may be clearer in her absence, Of the divine, eternall Majestie. as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain, the plain. And let your best be for your friend. Yet farre more faire be those bright Cherubins If she must know the ebb of your tide, let her know the flood, too. Which all with golden wings are overdight, For what is your friend that you should seek her with hours to kill? And those eternall burning Seraphins, Seek her always with hours to live. Which from their faces dart out fierie light; For it is hers to fill your need but not your emptiness. Yer fairer than they both, and much more bright, And let there be laughing and sharing of pleasures. Be th’ Angels and Archangels which attend For in the dew of little things the heart finds morning, its morning, On God’s owne person, without rest or end. – Kahlil Gibran These then is faire each other farre excelling I would rather die than hate you As to the Highest they approach more neare, .. hate for hate only intensifies the existence of hate and evil in the universe. If I Yet is that Highest farre beyond all telling hit you and you hit me and I hit you back and you hit me back and go on, you Fairer than all the rest which there appeare, see, that goes on ad infinitum. It just never ends. Somewhere somebody must Though all their beauties joynd together were: have a little sense, and that’s the strong person. The strong person is the person How then can mortall tongue hope to expresse who can cut off the chain of hate, the chain of evil. And that is the tragedy of The image of such endlesse perfectnesse? hate, that it doesn’t cut it off. It only intensifies the existence of hate and evil in – Edmund Spenser the universe. Somebody must have religion enough and morality enough to cut it off and inject within the very structure of the universe that strong and powerful The Passing of the Year element of love. 1. Invocation . O Earth, O Earth, return! – William Blake

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2. The narrow bud opens her beauties to the sun 4. Hot sun, cool fire The narrow bud opens her beauties to Hot sun, cool fire, tempered with sweet air, The sun, and love runs in her thrilling veins; Black shade, fair nurse, shadow my white hair; Blossoms hang round the brows of Morning, and Shine, sun; burn, fire; breathe, air, and ease me; Flourish down the bright cheek of modest Eve, Black shade, fair nurse, shroud me and please me: Till clust’ring Summer breaks forth into singing, Shadow, my sweet nurse, keep me from burning, And feather’d clouds strew flowers round her head. Make not my glad cause, cause of [my] mourning. Let not my beauty’s fire The spirits of the air live in the smells Enflame unstaid desire, Of fruit; and joy, with pinions light, roves round Nor pierce any bright eye The gardens, or sits singing in the trees. That wand’reth lightly. – William Blake – George Peele (1556-1596)

Summer is icumen in (Summer has come in) 5. Ah, Sun-flower! Lhude sing cuccu. (Loudly sing, cuckoo!) Ah Sun-flower! weary of time, Who countest the steps of the Sun, Seeking after that sweet golden clime 3. Answer July Where the traveller’s journey is done; Answer July – Where is the Bee – Where the Youth pined away with desire, Where is the Blush – And the pale Virgin shrouded in snow, Where is the Hay? Arise from their graves and aspire, Where my Sun-flower wishes to go. Ah, said July – – William Blake Where is the Seed – Where is the Bud – 6. Adieu! farewell earth’s bliss! Where is the May – Adieu, farewell earth’s bliss, Answer Thee – Me – This world uncertain is; Nay – said the May – Fond are life’s lustful joys, Show me the Snow – Death proves them all but toys, Show me the Bell s– None from his darts can fly: Show me the Jay! I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us! Quibbled the Jay – Where be the Maize – Rich men, trust not in wealth, Where be the Haze – Gold cannot buy you health; Where be the Bur? Physic himself must fade; Here – said the Year – All things to end are made; – Emily Dickinson The plague full swift goes by: I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us!

Beauty is but a flower Which wrinkles will devour; Brightness falls from the air, Queens have died young and fair,

16 17 CONTEMPORARY & CLASSIC TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS CONTEMPORARY & CLASSIC TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS Dust hath closed Helen’s eye: Mass for double choir I am sick, I must die. Lord, have mercy on us! I. Kyrie – Thomas Nashe Kyrie eleison Christe eleison 7. Ring out, wild bells Kyrie eleison O Earth, O Earth, return! Lord have mercy. Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, Christ have mercy. The flying cloud, the frosty light: Lord have mercy. The year is dying in the night; Ring out, wild bells, and let him die. II. Gloria Gloria in excelsis Deo, Ring out the old, ring in the new, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis Ring, happy bells, across the snow: Laudamus te. The year is going, let him go; Benedicimus te. Ring out the false, ring in the true. Adoramus te. Glorificamus te. Ring out the grief that saps the mind, Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam. For those that here we see no more; Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Ring out the feud of rich and poor, Domine fili unigenite, Jesu Christe. Ring in redress to all mankind. Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius patris. Qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Ring out the want, the care, the sin, Qui tollis peccata mundi suscipe deprecationem nostram. The faithless coldness of the times; Qui sedes ad dexteram patris miserere nobis. Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes, Quoniam tu solus sanctus. But ring the fuller minstrel in. Tu solus Dominus. Tu solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe. Ring out old shapes of foul disease; Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris. Amen. Ring out the narrowing lust of gold; Ring out the thousand wars of old, Glory to God in the highest, Ring in the thousand years of peace. and on earth peace to men of good will. — Alfred Lord Tennyson We praise you. We bless you. Intermission We worship you. We glorify you. We give you thanks for your great glory. Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father: Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Who take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Who sit at the right hand of the Father, have mercy upon us.

18 19 CONTEMPORARY & CLASSIC TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS CONTEMPORARY & CLASSIC TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS For only you are Holy, only you are Lord, things were made. Who for us men, and for only you are Most High, Jesus Christ. our salvation, came down from heaven, and With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Amen. Mary, and was made man. He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and III. Credo was buried. On the third day he rose again Credo in unum Deum, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into Patrem omnipoténtem, heaven. He sits at the right hand of the Father, Factórem cæli et terræ, and shall come again with glory to judge the Visibílium ómnium et invisibílium. living and the dead. And his Kingdom shall Et in unum Dóminum Iesum Christum, have no end. I believe in the Holy Ghost, Lord Fílium Dei Unigénitum, and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and Et ex Patre natum ante ómnia sæcula. the Son, who together with the Father and Deum de Deo, lumen de lúmine, the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke Deum verum de Deo vero, through the prophets. I believe in one holy Génitum, non factum, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one consubstantiálem Patri: baptism for the remission of sins. And I await Per quem ómnia facta sunt. the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the Qui propter nos hómines et propter nostram salútem world to come. Amen. Descéndit de cælis. Et incarnátus est de Spíritu Sancto IV. Sanctus Ex María Vírgine, et homo factus est. Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, Crucifíxus étiam pro nobis sub Póntio Piláto; Domine Deus Sabaoth. Passus, et sepúltus est, Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua. Et resurréxit tértia die, secúndum Scriptúras, Hosanna in excelsis! Et ascéndit in cælum, Benedictus qui venit sedet ad déxteram Patris. in nomine Domini: Et íterum ventúrus est cum glória, Hosanna in excelsis. Iudicáre vivos et mórtuos, Cuius regni non erit finis. Holy, Holy, Holy, Et in Spíritum Sanctum, Lord God of Sabaoth. Dóminum et vivificántem: Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Qui ex Patre Filióque procédit. Blessed is he that comes Qui cum Patre et Fílio simul in the name of the Lord: adorátur et conglorificátur: Hosanna in the highest. Qui locútus est per prophétas. Et unam, sanctam, cathólicam V. Agnus Dei et apostólicam Ecclésiam. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi Confíteor unum baptísma in remissiónem peccatorum. miserere nobis, etc. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi Et vitam ventúri sæculi. Amen. dona nobis pacem, etc. Dona nobis, pacem. I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible Lamb of God, who take away the sins and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, of the world, have mercy upon us. only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Lamb of God, who take away the sins Father before all ages. God of God, light of light, of the world, have mercy upon us. true God of true God; begotten, not made; Lamb of God, who take away the sins consubstantial with the Father, by whom all 20 of the world, grant us peace. 21 SINGERS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS SINGERS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS Soprano Tenor

Mela Sarajane Dailey Meg Dudley Julie Keim Stefanie Moore Sarah Moyer Steven Brennfleck Douglas Easterling Carr Hornbuckle David Kurtenbach (Austin, TX) (New York, NY) (Washington, DC) (Los Angeles, CA) (Boston, MA) (Austin, TX) (Cincinnati, OH) (, TX) (San Francisco, CA)

Fotina Naumenko Nina Revering Kathlene Ritch* Shari Wilson Wilson Nichols* Paul John Rudoi Jason Vest (Washington, DC) (Austin, TX) (Santa Fe, NM) (Austin, TX) (New York, NY) (Saint Paul, MN) (Cincinnati, OH)

Alto Bass

Lara Alami Ana Baida Sarah Brauer Janet Carlsen Campbell* Simon Barrad Rick Gabrillo* Robert Harlan Stephen Lancaster Tim O’Brien (Bloomfield Hills, MI) (Atlanta, GA) (Portland, OR) (Omaha, NE) (San Francisco, CA) (Round Rock, TX) (Austin, TX) (South Bend, IN ) (Austin, TX)

Lauren McAllister Laura Mercado-Wright Mitzi Westra John Proft David Rugger Sean Taylor Paul Max Tipton (Cincinnati, OH ) (Austin, TX ) (Indianapolis, IN) (Austin, TX) (Indianapolis, IN) (Brownsville, TX) (Boston, MA)

Instrumentalists

*denotes Section Leader

Austin Haller Douglas Harvey piano cello 22 (Austin, TX) (Austin, TX) 23 ABOUT THE ARTISTS CONSPIRARE COMMISSIONS NOTE Andrea Clearfield Conspirare is committed both to the repertoire of the choral canon and Andrea Clearfield is an award-winning to actively engaging in musical performances which represent both composer who has written more than the voices of today and voices which have been silenced or under- 150 works for orchestra, , chorus, represented. We actively seek to commission works to achieve this goal. chamber ensemble, dance and multimedia collaborations. Clearfield creates deep, Conspirare believes in the integrity and power of new music and emotive musical languages that build its place in vast choral repertoire. We are committed to the deepest cultural and artistic bridges. Recent works and widest exploration of new expressions, styles and presentations are inspired by Tibetan music fieldwork and commissioning has become an integral part of this exploration. that she conducted in the Nepalese Throughout our history, we have championed new music and the Himalaya. She was appointed the Steven commissions listed below with the support of our Conspirare patrons R. Gerber Composer in Residence with and numerous organizations. These works, in addition to unlisted the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia commissions, comprise an important piece of our present music-making for their 2018-19 season. She is 2020 and legacy: Composer-in-residence with National Concerts at . Her first opera, Recent commissions include: MILA, Great Sorcerer, was presented at the acclaimed NYC Prototype : Come to the Woods (2015) Festival in January, 2019. Dr. Clearfield was awarded a 2017 Independence Tarik O’Regan: Turn (2016) Foundation Fellowship, a 2016 Pew Fellowship in the Arts and fellowships Craig Hella Johnson: Considering Matthew Shepard (2016) at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center, American Academy Ted Hearne: Fervor (2018) in Rome, Yaddo, Copland House and the MacDowell Colony among others. As a performer she played keyboards with the Relâche Ensemble Jocelyn Hagen: Songs for Muska (2019) for 25 years and had the great honor of performing with the Court of Kile Smith: The Dawn’s Early Light (2019) the Dalai Lama. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Recording Andrea Clearfield:Prayer to the Shechinah (2020) Academy/Grammy’s Philadelphia Chapter. A strong advocate for building : Earth Ritual (2020 — world premiere in April) community around the arts, she is founder and host of the renowned Salon featuring contemporary, classical, jazz, electronic, dance and world music since 1986. andreaclearfield.com

Mirabai Starr PERFORMING NOTE Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author Conspirare has the privilege of performing in a variety of beautiful venues of creative non-fiction and contemporary that best enhance choral performances. While our performingvenues translations of sacred literature. She and the text of some of our repertoire may be representative of specific taught Philosophy and World Religions traditions, it is in no way intended to exclude any individual whose at the University of New Mexico-Taos for experience or set of beliefs is not represented. Conspirare respects and 20 years and now teaches and speaks celebrates the great diversity of religious, artistic and human experiences internationally on contemplative practice represented among our singers and audience members. The audience and inter-spiritual dialog. A certified creates the space in which the music is held. bereavement counselor, Mirabai helps mourners harness the transformational power of loss. Her latest book is WILD MERCY: Living the Fierce & Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics. Mirabai is on the 2020 Watkins List of the “100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People of the World.” She lives with her extended family in the mountains of northern New Mexico. 24 25 CRAIG HELLA JOHNSON ABOUT CONSPIRARE Craig Hella Johnson is Conspirare is a professional the Founding Artistic choral organization under Director and Conductor the leadership of Craig of Conspirare and Music Hella Johnson. Inspired Director of Cincinnati’s by the power of music to Vocal Arts Ensemble. change lives, this ensemble Known for crafting engages singers from thought-provoking musical around the world who join journeys that create deep voices to deliver world-class, connections between extraordinary live musical performers and listeners, experiences and recordings. Johnson is in frequent Their discography includes 13 commercial albums and 19 self-produced demand as a guest live albums. Conspirare was awarded the 2019 Texas Medal of Arts. Johnson and Conspirare were awarded a 2014 Grammy® for Best Choral conductor of choral and Performance for The Sacred Spirit of Russia album and their recordings orchestral works have been nominated eight other times. Conspirare’s most recent recording, The Hope of Loving, features works of Jake Runestad and Johnson joined the faculty at Texas State as Artist in Residence in fall received a 2020 Grammy nomination for Best Choral Performance. 2016. He is a published composer and arranger, guest conductor and Based in Austin, Texas, they perform an annual concert series and tour in educator. Johnson’s first concert-length compositionConsidering the and abroad. Conspirare has performed throughout the Matthew Shepard was premiered and recorded by Conspirare for a U.S., including appearances as a featured choir at the American Choral 2016 CD release. Directors Association annual conference and regional ACDA conventions. At home, Conspirare performs a full annual season in Austin and Central Johnson’s accomplishments have been recognized with numerous Texas where it has received ongoing recognition from local organizations awards and honors. Notably among them, he and Conspirare won a 2014 and critics. Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson was named Texas State Grammy® for Best Choral Performance, Chorus America awarded him Musician. The group is also committed to outreach programs which the Michael Korn Founders Award for Development of the Professional includes free community Big Sings and performances at Travis County Choral Art in 2015, and the Texas State Legislature named him Texas Correctional Facility. In 2013, Conspirare became a Resident Company State Musician for 2013. of Austin’s Long Center for the Performing Arts. Conspirare is known for the flagship vocal ensemble, Company of Voices. The organization also craighellajohnson.com includes the Conspirare Symphonic Choir (a large auditioned ensemble that performs works for chorus, often with instrumental ensemble), and Conspirare Youth Choirs, an educational program made up of three choirs (Prelude, Kantorei, and Allegro) under the direction of Nina Revering.

conspirare.org 512.476.5775

26 27 BOARD AND STAFF Season Sustaining Underwriter Board of Directors Artistic & Administrative Staff Nancy Lesch, Chair Craig Hella Johnson Robert Harlan, Vice Chair Artistic Director William G. Fivecoat, Treasurer William C. Bednar, Secretary Ann McNair 2019/20 Corporate Sponsors Ken Beck Managing Director Mark W. Bierner Scott Dinger Marvin J. Brittman Resource Development Specialist Carl Caricari Mary Anne Connolly Rick Gabrillo Susanna Finnell Associate Conductor Sandy Fivecoat Sustainers & Major Donors Elliott Forrest Robert Harlan Marcus Cruz Sanchez Technical Director & Stage Manager LEGACY Joni Wallace OF 2 Sam Henderson SOUND Conspirare Concierge Advisory Board Foundation Supporters Stephen Aechternacht Meri Krueger Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation Bloomberg Philanthropies John Aielli Artist Relations Eva & Marvin Womack Foundation James K. Ferguson Foundation Sue Barnes Kodosky Foundation Rachael & Ben Vaughan Foundation Mark Bierner Jaime Leighton Ray Brimble Production Administrator Red Bird Foundation Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts David Claflin Still Water Foundation Tom Driscoll Kathy Leighton House Manager Hella Circle Restaurant Partners Virginia Dupuy Hospitality Sponsor Maydelle Fason Jane Ramirez JoLynn Free Business Manager Billy Gammon Vance George Nina Revering Public Agency Sponsors Helen Hays Conspirare Youth Choirs Director Dan Herd William B. Hilgers Christy Strange Wayne Holtzman Marketing Manager Judith Jellison This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department. Bob Murphy Gena Tabery Media Sponsor Lynn Murphy Conspirare Youth Choirs Manager Cliff Redd Kendall Walshak Gayle Glass Roche Production Assistant In-Kind Sponsors Nancy Scanlan Angela Smith Ali Lewis Bernadette Tasher Development Intern Louann Temple Eva Womack Cameron Massey Outreach Partners Midge Woolsey Production & Operations Intern

Allyson Moreno Business Intern 28 29 DONORS Judy & Douglas Rhodes Dina Kuntz+ Your Generosity Brings Our Song to Life. Nancy Scanlan*+ Eric Leibrock*+ Barbara Schutz+ Marcia & Bruce Levy 2019/20 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN DONORS—Conspirare donors support the annual Linda & Nick van Bavel* Sheila Lummis* budget of the organization with a yearly gift. Johanna & Mitch Vernick*+ Dana & Andy MacLaren+ We are deeply grateful to every individual, foundation, business, and government Julia & Patrick Willis*+ Aaron Malakoff agency for your investments in Conspirare’s mission to change lives through the power Patricia & Chris Yost*+ Marcia Manhart of music. This list represents cash and in-kind gifts made from January 1, 2019 through Sue & Phil Maxwell January 21, 2020. $2,499-$1,000 Joyce Mayer * Denotes Hella Circle Member Randy Adair+ Amy McCaffrey+ + Denotes Considering Matthew Shepard donor Anonymous (2) Carol & Jack McGuire # Denotes Legacy of Sound 2 donor Anonymous+ (2) Ann McNair* James Arth*+ Henry Meadows Joy Authur Becky & Ted Mercado*+ $50,000 + $9,999-$5,000 Wayne Baker* Merick Strategies, Mela Sarajane Dailey Bloomberg Philanthropies Anonymous+# Ginger & Michael Blair*+# Milton Miller CAPTRUST | STMM Nancy & Randy Baden*+ Cynthia Brinson Janice Morris City of Austin – Cultural Arts Division Joyce & Ken Beck*+ Greg Bryant*+ Howard Morrison Lynne Dobson & Greg Wooldridge*# Bill Bednar*+# Amy & Kyle Bryson Michele Morrison Mark Bierner*+# Dan Bullock & Annette Carlozzi Elizabeth & Jerele Neeld*+ $49,999-$20,000 Christopher Cheever Sarah & Ernest Butler Nona Niland* Anonymous Paula D’Arcy, Red Bird Foundation+ Richard Campbell* Linda & Paul Parrish*+ Marvin Brittman*+# Beverly Dale+ Alice & Gary Childress Stu Phillips*+ Fran & Larry Collmann*+# Mary & Phil Delk+ Fleur Christensen Rebecca & Phil Powers Danna & Crutch Crutchfield*+ Susanna & Richard Finnell*+# Janis & David Claflin*+ Kimberly & Dan Renner+ Lara & Robert Harlan*+ Helen & Bob Hays*+ Janice & Rowland Curry* Lynn & Dick Rew Richard Hartgrove & Gary Cooper*+# Hoisington Investment Management Co. Margaret & Marc Curtis*+ Karin Richmond*+ H-E-B Tournament of Champions Angie & Steve Larned*+ Rena & Richard D’Souza Teresa Ringness* Tina & Dale Knobel*+ Nancy Lesch & Janet Bezner*+ Susan Duncan David Rockwood Wendi & Brian Kushner*+# Susan & Craig Lubin*+ Gregory Cash Durham & Bob Guter- Duane Roth* Lee Manford & Casey Blass*+# Per Stirling Group, Monica & JP O’Sullivan muth* Norm Schumaker* National Endowment for the Arts+ Nancy Quinn & Thomas Driscoll+ Sylvia Fatzer David Smith+ Susan & Jack Robertson*+# Ann B. Fields+ Paula & Ken Smith Gayle & Mike Roche*+ $4,999-$2,500 Susan & John Fox Liz Stewart Still Water Foundation# Anonymous* Helen Fraser James Stolpa Eva & Marvin Womack*+# Anonymous*+# Jolynn & Gregory Free*+ Cason Swindle* Karen & Ray Brimble+ Mary Nell Frucella*+ Bernadette Tasher*+ $19,999-$10,000 Leslie Brown+ Evelyn & Rick Gabrillo John C. R. Taylor & Peter Flagg Maxson Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation Brad Buchholz Kim & Steve Gilbert Susanne Tetzlaff & Eric Tiblier Eric Copper+ Carl Caricari & Margaret Murray-Miller *+ Glenda Goehrs*+ Sandra & Bob Tomlinson*+ Kristin Drumm Catherine Clark+ Cynthia Gonzales & Bill Guajardo*+ Jessica Weaver Eclectic Philanthropic Fund of the Southwest Mary Anne Connolly*+ Deena Graham+ Kathleen Wicoff*+ Community Foundation, Dixie Camp Joanne & John Earls, The John C. Carol & Bob Hayden* Joyce Zehr+ Carol & Chris Elms*+ Griswold Family Foundation+ Margaret Henderson Sandy & Bill Fivecoat*+# Kerry Edwards George Henry $999-$500 Trish & Robert Karli*+# James K. Ferguson Foundation, Jim Jeanne & Van Hoisington+ Anonymous The Kodosky Foundation, Gail & Jeff Ferguson & Art Sansone+ Kelli & Van Jr. Hoisington Anton Armstrong Kodosky*+# Gusto Italian Kitchen, Cameron Lockley Peggy Howard & Bill Wood* Chris & Ronald Askew Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Sherry & Gary Jacobson*+ Dan Jackson & Jeremy Guiberteau Austin Chronicle Shield-Ayres Foundation Craig Hella Johnson & Phil Overbaugh*+ Ronald Jernigan+ Margaret & Robert Ayres Texas Commission on the Arts Kathy & Henry Leighton* Mary Kevorkian & Tom Holzbach*+ Barbara & Kevin Barry+ Rachael & Ben F. Vaughan Foundation Janet McCullar*+ Karen Kibler & Tom Grimes Molly Bean Joni Wallace*+ Suzanne Mitchell & Richard Zansitis*+ Kathleen Kinney*+ Becky Beaver Judy Morris Karen & Donald Kirmis+ Steven Beebe+ Dee Anne & Steven Paulson*+ Dan Kraus Margaret & Robert Berdahl

30 31 Victoria & Robert Bergin Andrea Pobanz*+ Ann & Steve Laubach Kerry Tate+ George Brennan Patricia Pratchett Connie LeBeau Meredith Thomas+ Linda & George Brown*+ Jane Ramirez* Carey S. Leva Julie Toler* Carla & Stephanie Burzyk-Smith Flo Ann Randle+ Kati Lewis+ Faith & Don Trapp*+ Viera Buzgova Jennifer & Mark Roe Michelle Lingo Michael Twomey James Campbell Deborah & Ed Rupp*+ Melissa Marse Lauren Vick* Jane & Phil Capron Marcus Sanchez & Heath Riddles* Dax McCracken Andrew West Christine & J. Dennis Cavner+ Michelle Schumann & Matt Orem* Ivan Milman Shari Wilson & Jason Shestok+ Patricia Cherico*+ April Schweighart Fran & Steven Moss Kira Winter* Cicada Lighting Marilyn Sharratt+ Monty Northrup Patricia & Curtis Wyman Bob Clagett* Bea Ann Smith+ Kathie & Peter Nycklemoe Ted Yanecek Owen Connelly Jare & Jim Smith* Ozden Ochoa Tim Young+ Katelena & James Cowles Marga Speicher+ Barbara Jean Olson Cory Cox+ Les Sunada Carol Ann Pevehouse* Conspirare is grateful for all donors Lisa & Eric Craven Dale & Roy Truitt* Donna & Paul Povse who contributed gifts under $250 and Cina Crisara Anne & Tony Vance* Katy & Buzz Pruitt* regrets that space does not Paula & Stuart D’Amore Anne & William Wagner+ Louis Renaud permit the listing of each name. Your Michael DiLeo Mary Walker Kathlene Ritch & Scott Noakes*+ support is very much appreciated. We Nina & Jeffrey Di Leo+ Jane Watsons Michal Rosenberger* strive to publish an Randi Eisner & William Schwartz Amy & Philip Welsh+ Donna Rutherford accurate donor list. If an error or omis- Constance & Rex Esau* Nancy Whitworth Mary & Jo-Michael Scheibe sion is noted, please let us know by Susan Nash Fekety Barbara Williamson Sara Sharp calling Sam Henderson at Patricia & Fred Florence Karla & James Wintle Carole & Charles Sikes 512.476.5775. Melinda & Robert Floyd Katy & Chris Steiner* Elliott Forrest+ $499-$250 Constance & Thomas Foster Amazon Smile Campaign Cheryl Fuller* Anonymous Mary Gifford* Frances Anderson Jeanne & Donald Grantham Oliver Lee Baker Martha & David Harrington* Ingrid & Nathan Bick Megan & Michael Helmbrecht* Clint Bledsoe* Carr Hornbuckle & Jack Leifer+ Dianne & Douglas Brehmer Bailey+ James Hornbuckle+ Kay Brumley Joan & Paul Hudson* Linda Buehlmann Judith Jellison & Robert Duke Wade Caldwell Vonciel & Larry Keister Patrick Cantilo+ Karen Langley* Doug Carroll Lou Ann & Bill Lasher+ Karen & Clay Cary Jodi Lazar Ellen Cianciarulo Cindy Libera+ Marv Clott Emily Little*+ Suzanne & Louis Danuser Kathleen Lowry Sandra Derby+ Thomas Lukens Melissa Eddy & Tracy Schiemenz*+ Juan Pedro Giner Martinez Expedia Group Suzanne McAllister*+ Susan & Carlos Fernandez Adrienne McCullough Jill & Terry Frisbie Debe & Kevin McKeand+ Karen Hale & Al Lindsey March 5 & 6, 2020 Vance McMahan+ Glenn Haluska Phyllis Miller Karen & Leroy Haverlah+ Your generosity creates today’s music! Chandra Muller Christy Henry Suzi & Douglas Nelson+ Dealey & David Herndon Please give at amplifyatx.org Cynthia & Lip Norvell Linda & Ken Holmen*+ Tamra-Shae Oatman Pam & Rick Huffman* Cheryl & Sonny Payne Jake Runestad Music LLC Pelton Charitable Foundation, Inc. Roberta & Richard Lang

32 33 DONOR SPOTLIGHT AMBASSADORS Meet the Fivecoats Julie Adams Kathy Taylor How did a tech industry executive and a CPA Lissa Anderson Audrey Thompson Brit Barr Dale Thompson executive end up as avid supporters of choral Laurie Barr Veryan Thompson music? It all started with the premiere performance Janet Bezner Edwin Williams of Considering Matthew Shepard... David Cameron Linda Cameron Conspirare offers opportunities to join its musical circle through gifts of time, energy, and talent. Sandy and Bill Fivecoat have always loved the Mary Cook Kathryn Ehlert Ambassadors serve as ticket takers, ushers, and performing arts – from musical theater to cabaret Tim Ferchill CD sellers. Office volunteers work at Conspirare to the symphony. But when they experienced Vivian Ferchill headquarters on special projects and hosting Joe Filak volunteers house out-of-town artists during concerts. the premiere of Considering Matthew Shepard, We are dedicated to making volunteering a fun Craig Hella Johnson’s masterpiece oratorio, they were personally and Patti Filak Michelle Fisher opportunity to experience the joy of Conspirare. emotionally affected, and became convinced that this kind of music has a Stephanie Foster For more information, please contact House Manager tangible role in reaching the hearts and minds of ordinary people. Now you Mary Gifford Kathy Leighton at [email protected]. Cynthia Griesser can find them at every Conspirare concert sporting their Hella Circle pins! PRODUCTION CREW Rod Howard Viera Buzgova, Stage Manager Bill Hulsey Will Pearson, Assistant Stage Manager Sandy’s professional background includes teaching, state government/ Virginia Hyde policy work, C-suite consulting, and education technology. A singer Jimmie Johnson FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS through college, her travel obligations in the tech sector prevented her Henry Leighton Dianna Amorde from doing much singing. But she re-discovered her voice after retirement, Beverly McCune Trudy Chan Susie Milam Dianne Donovan, KMFA and currently sings in the Saint Johns UMC and Conspirare Symphonic Becky Miller Rebecca Mayer Choir. A recent ‘bucket list’ experience was singing Carmina Burana with Kim Mosley McCarthy Print Conspirare friends, the Austin Symphony, and Ballet Austin. Pat Reed Phillip Overbaugh Aimee Ronn St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Bill spent his professional career as a CPA starting as an auditor KPMG and then moving to private industry. He also has a rich background in community service. Most recently, he serves on the Saint John’s UMC finance Committee and Conspirare’s board, where he now serves as treasurer. An avid cyclist Bill has logged 6,752 miles in 2019. (But who’s counting?)

In addition to Conspirare, Sandy and Bill share a love of music, dancing, Pilates, and the Austin Kindness Project, a program they created in 2016 designed to share love, kindness, and civic engagement. Through that effort, they have raised over $25,000 for the ACLU, and placed over 5,000 ‘In this House’ signs in the Greater Austin Area. Both Sandy and Bill serve on Conspirare’s Board of Directors and are active Hella Circle members. Sandy is a Hella Circle Co-Chair.

The most important thing Bill and Sandy share is the love and support of a very large family, including four children and nine grandchildren who live in or near the Mueller neighborhood.

They see every day as a blessing of family, friends, and music, and are especially grateful for the joy and inspiration they derive from the Conspirare family of friends and musicians.

34 35 FEATURED AMBASSADOR Jimmie Johnson I first learned of Conspirare through a client who I had been hired to assist when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I was looking for ways to keep her active, and when I found out that she loved a choral group called Conspirare, I took her to the next performance which was Christmas at the Carillon. It was love at “first listen”! After taking my grandson to several concerts and “Big Sings,” he decided to audition for the Thank you. Conspirare Youth Choirs and sang with them for five years until his voice became too low for their repertoire. Our family enjoyed many concerts over the years and Conspirare Christmas is one of our favorite holiday traditions.

I have been lucky enough to get to know three Conspirare singers through their work at my church. In addition to her amazing work with my grandson as his Our community – and our world – director in CYC with rehearsals at that time at TUMC, Ms. Nina Revering blessed our family and friends with her beautiful voice at my husband’s memorial service is a better place because Conspirare exists. there three years ago. Because of her, my grandson intends to pursue choral music the rest of his life, even though it is not a career interest for him. About 2 We celebrate their 2019–20 season, years ago another Conspirare singer, Mr. Roland Barrera was hired as the director of my church choir. He inspired me to rejoin the church choir after many years of and extend our deepest gratitude hiatus, and I am so glad that I am singing again. He was also the one to suggest to Craig Hella Johnson, that I volunteer as a Conspirare Ambassador, reminding me that I could hear more concerts in that role. Sam Henderson, the current Conspirare Concierge all of the artists, staff, and volunteers leads our bass section. whose hard work and dedication

Volunteering has been a great way to say thank you to a group that has meant bring about so much beauty, so much to my family and me. Re-reading the words of the concerts is a and we thank the many supporters contemplative devotional for me at home, and popping a Conspirare CD into my whose generosity makes it all possible. car’s audio system calms my nerves in traffic. Music is healing on many levels. I believe that Conspirare is spreading PEACE through its message of oneness of all souls. By offering office support and helping set up, usher, and clean up at concerts, I get to be a small piece of that Peace. I am blessed. Upcoming Events

BIG SING Singing Planet date announcement soon!

Hidden Music 2020 benefiting Conspirare April 19, 4pm Westin Austin at the Domain Earth Ritual April 25 & 26 Celebrate Earth Day with Robert Kyr’s new environmental oratorio for 16 singers and instruments. WORLD PREMIERE!

Conspirare Youth Choirs Reveal May 1 & 2 Conspirare Symphonic Choir performs with the Austin Symphony, May 15 & 16.

More details and tickets online conspirare.org or 512.474.5664

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Texas State University Master of Music Choral

Choral Conducting Symposium Craig Hella Johnson

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. . Craig Hella Johnson (limited enrollment) benefitting Joey M. Martin Jonathan Babcock Austin’s best-kept secret Joey M. Martin Director of Choral Activities Jonathan Babcock drinks, dinner and Assoc. Director of Choral Activities a 2020/2021 season preview Lynn Brinckmeyer Director of Choral Music Education Saturday, April 19th Craig Aamot 4-8:30pm June 24–28, 2019 Lecturer of Choral Music The Westin Austin at the Domain Performing Arts Center TheSunday, Westin April Austin 19th at the Domain

Application deadline January 15, 2019 Auditions held February 25, 2019 Reserve your table at conspirare.org!

For more information and to register, visit choirs.music.txstate.edu

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