Discover music you’ve never heard before. hope of loving

MUSIC OF

January 18 & 19, 2019, 8pm St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Pre-concert talk at 7pm with Jake Runestad & Mela Sarajane Dailey

Craig Hella Johnson Artistic Director & Conductor

Season Sustaining Underwriter

®

1 WELCOME NOTE Thank you so much for joining us tonight for another Growing up in Northern Illinois, I was immersed in a family offering in ’s 25th Anniversary Season. It is an dedicated to serving others. My parents made it a priority extraordinary privilege to celebrate a quarter-century to volunteer our time, give of our resources, and show of singing in this wild and wonderful (and weird) place my sister and me that nature is to be valued, and that the called Austin. All of you, our passionate community of world is made up of a beautiful variety of people from engaged listeners and supporters, have had a profound myriad backgrounds that should be heard and respected. influence on shaping this world class ensemble and molding all of the Conspirare artists with your deep When I began to find my truest voice as a composer, listening and vibrant participation. moving beyond the imitative works of a budding youth, I found that speaking to social issues and authentic human For tonight’s concert in the first month of the new year, we are honored to be experiences were what lived closest to my heart. The featuring the music of Jake Runestad. Following the performance weekend, we will works included in this program and forthcoming album are spend four days, in this very space, recording this music for international release, a representation of what drives me as an artist: a desire for beauty, for allowing with the support of two people in tonight’s audience. Jake’s choral music is rooted compelling texts to inspire the music, and telling authentic stories in a way that in his understanding of and the inherent transformative potential whenever might foster compassion for our shared human experiences. a group of singers gather and then come together with an audience. He does not shy away from challenging emotional and cultural topics, but rather, moves directly Why the Caged Bird Sings was my first collaboration with , towards them. He is also not afraid to point towards hope. In tonight’s program, which he commissioned for the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble. Paul Laurence his music covers a broad emotional and thematic range — mysticism, hope, Dunbar’s text (from which Maya Angelou found the title for her famous enslavement, racism, loss, love of nature, inequality, violence, kindness, human autobiography), conveys the complexity of life as a post-Civil War black man and divine love. Each of his pieces is a world unto itself and occupies its own born to previously-enslaved parents. Musically, there is a tension between black emotional realm. and white pitches (as seen on a piano keyboard) as the work progresses through Dunbar’s metaphor of a caged bird wishing to be free. Jake’s socially conscious music has found a home with young singers in high schools and colleges and among professional and semi-professional . Some of you are already familiar with Jake’s music — we commissioned and premiered “Come to the A recurring theme in my work is that of the importance and Woods” and heard from so many of you about how this piece resonated with you. beauty of the natural world. I am passionate about being

The repertoire heard in tonight’s concerts will be recorded for Conspirare’s next outside amidst trees, mountains, lakes, skies, and hiking, album release. Recording has always been a core part of our mission and with camping, and basking in the glory of our world. the support of Conspirare donors we have been able to make recordings that allowed us to share our music around the world. It is always a great joy when I hear from someone who is listening to our music in Belgium or Japan or Argentina. One of the greatest joys in my life has come from my friendship with the Our first recordings,through the green fuse and Requiem were on the Clarion phenomenal poet Todd Boss. Todd and I met seven years ago when I first moved label. We then began a partnership with producer Robina Young and engineer to , on the recommendation of a friend. Todd has become one of my Brad Michel, resulting in 12 albums on the harmonia mundi label. Recordings dearest friends and most frequent collaborators. His lyrical voice packs a punch have been an important way to share our music in our first 25 years, garnering with its directness, approachability, vivid imagery, and attention to the depths recognition including a Best Choral Performance Grammy® for Sacred Spirt of and complexity of humanity. Todd is a craftsman and delights in the collaborative Russia, the Netherlands’ prestigious Edison Award for the re-release of Requiem, experience — creating a new work with Todd is a joyful, illuminating, and fulfilling and Germany’s Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik in 2015 for Path of Miracles. experience. Sacred Spirit of Russia and Path of Miracles were recorded right here in St. Martin’s! Waves (2015) is the first work on which Todd and I collaborated. I remember I am so thrilled to begin this next chapter of dynamic choral art with you. I am sitting at an outdoor café on a warm, summer evening and discussing what I look as excited now as I was when we first began and you are a huge part of my joy. for in a text for music (clear and succinct language, open vowels for climactic Thank you for your presence here tonight and for your engagement with us. moments, intentional use of consonants for percussive effects, a narrative form...). The resulting piece uses double choir to explore a wash of sound, moving back and forth between choirs like waves on the shore, as we move through the heaviness of sadness into a consoling sunrise. 2 3 PROGRAM And So I Go On, another collaboration with Todd, has a very special origin. All works composed by Jake Runestad (b. 1986) When Germán Aguilar passed away unexpectedly in the summer of 2014, it was a huge loss to our world. Germán had a love for life, teaching, and the Program to be selected from: people around him – especially his fiancé Jon Talberg. After Germán’s death, Waves (2015) Jon was cleaning out Germán’s wallet and found the only business card inside Michael Jones, tenor was mine. I had given it to Germán when we met in January of 2014. Jon soon contacted me and asked if I would write a piece of music in memory of Germán Spirited Light (2014) – I was honored to do so. Scored for double choir, this piece is a conversation between two lovers as one struggles through the intense experience of loss. Why the Caged Bird Sings (2014) Alissa Ruth Suver, soprano A recurring theme in my work is that of the importance and beauty of the natural world. I am passionate about being outside amidst trees, mountains, American Triptych lakes, skies, and hiking, camping, and basking in the glory of our world. I. Reflections (2015) American Triptych is a collection of three works with texts that span the USA from East to West featuring authors Henry David Thoreau (Massachusetts), II. The Peace of Wild Things (2013) Wendell Berry (Kentucky), and John Muir (California). Each movement III. Come to the Woods (2015) expresses an aspect of our human connection with the natural world and journeys through a rushing river, a peaceful lakefront, and a wind storm in the INTERMISSION Western Sierra mountains. Let My Love Be Heard (2015) Alfred Noyes’ poem that inspired Let My Love Be Heard is a grief-filled plea that I found in a collection of poetry that belonged to my grandfather (given And So I Go On (2015) to me after his death). The main melody of the work, first stated in the tenors, Mela Sarajane Dailey, soprano slowly ascends onto the wings of angels as the plea is lifted into the sky. The Hope of Loving (2015) I am a hoarder of poetry and one of my favorite collections is Love Poems From I. Yield to Love God —mystical poems by Daniel Ladinsky inspired by famous writers from Stefanie Moore, soprano around the world. This book is a composer’s dream with colorful, powerful, and II. Wild Forces succinct writings that talk of living fully, deep spirituality, self-contemplation, III. Wondrous Creatures and love. When starting my work on this new composition, I opened Ladinsky’s Dann Coakwell, tenor book to find a treasure trove of quaint parables and sage advice for us all. “The Hope of Loving” for chorus, soloists, and string quartet, uses a selection IV. The Heart’s Veil of writings inspired by spiritual mystics throughout history to explore the idea of V. My Soul Is a Candle love and its manifestation in our lives. Stefanie Moore, soprano Simon Barrad, baritone My hope is that this music might introduce you to meaningful texts, connect VI. The Hope of Loving you with an element of your own human experience, and foster compassion for the story of another. I am thrilled to be collaborating with Craig Hella Johnson Flower into Kindness (from Into the Light) (2017) and Conspirare, and can’t wait to share in this concert experience together. Kathlene Ritch, soprano Lauren McAllister, alto Jake Runestad, composer Dann Coakwell, tenor John Proft, bass

Optional Selections: We Can Mend the Sky (excerpted version) (2014) Kathlene Ritch, soprano

4 5 TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS Waves Why the Caged Bird Sings O my soul, where do you go sometimes? I know what the caged bird feels, alas! Why have I come brooding for you When the sun is bright on the upland slopes; here where the ocean writes its tidelines When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass, on the endless sand? And the river flows like a stream of glass; Waves come, waves go. When the first bird sings and the first bud opens, Waves know nothing but tossing and And the faint perfume from its chalice steals — crossing, crashing and thrashing. I know what the caged bird feels! My sadness is enormous as the sea. I know why the caged bird beats his wing Birds are made of bones of air but I Till its blood is red on the cruel bars; am water, drawn by my nature to drown. For he must fly back to his perch and cling Light—o, magnanimous light! Find me! When he fain would be on the bough a-swing; Blind me with sight! Sweep free And a pain still throbs in the old, old scars and steep me in the serenity that saves— And they pulse again with a keener sting — sunlight washing over me in waves—! I know why he beats his wing! – Todd Boss I know why the caged bird sings, ah me, When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore, Spirited Light When he beats his bars and he would be free; Spirited light! On the edge It is not a carol of joy or glee, of the Presence your yearning But a prayer… burns in the secret darkness, I know why the caged bird sings! O angels, insatiably – Paul Laurence Dunbar into God’s gaze. Perversity could not touch your beauty; you are essential joy. But lost your companion, angel of the crooked wings. He sought the summit, shot down the depths of God, and plummeted past Adam – that a mud-bound spirit might soar. – Hildegard von Bingen, translated by Barbara Newman

6 7 American Triptych II. The Peace of Wild Things When despair for the world grows in me I. Reflections We live but a fraction of our life. and I wake in the night at the least sound We do not fill all our pores with our blood; in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, we do not inspire and expire fully and entirely enough, I go and lie down where the wood drake so that the wave of each inspiration rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. shall break on our farthest shores, I come into the peace of wild things rolling ’til it meets the sand which bounds us, who do not tax their lives with forethought and the sound of the surf comes back [to us]. of grief. I come into the presence of still water. Why do we not let on the flood, And I feel above me the day-blind stars raise the gates, waiting with their light. For a time and set all our wheels in motion? I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. There is the calmness of the lake – Wendell Berry when there is not a breath of wind; so it is with us. III. Come to the Woods Sometimes we are clarified and calmed Another glorious day, the air as delicious as we never were before. to the lungs as nectar to the tongue. We become like a still lake of purest crystal The day was full of sparkling sunshine, and without an effort and at the same time enlivened with one of our depths are revealed to ourselves. the most bracing wind storms. All the world goes by us The mountain winds bless the forests with love. and is reflected in our deeps. They touch every tree, not one is forgotten. Such clarity! When the storm began to sound, Obtained by such pure means! I pushed out into the woods to enjoy it. By simple living, I should climb one of the trees for a wider look. by honesty of purpose. The sounds of the storm were glorious with To be calm, to be serene! wild exuberance of light and motion. – Henry David Thoreau Bending and swirling backward and forward, round and round, in this wild sea of pines. The storm-tones died away, and turning toward the east, I beheld the trees, hushed and tranquil. The setting sun filled them with amber light, and seemed to say, “Come to the woods, for here is rest.” – John Muir

INTERMISSION

8 9 Let My Love Be Heard The Hope of Loving Angels, where you soar I. Yield to Love Up to God’s own light, I know about love the way the fields know about light, Take my own lost bird the way the forest shelters us. On your hearts tonight; We are vulnerable like an infant. And as grief once more We need each other’s care or we will suffer. Mounts to heaven and sings, How will you ever find peace unless you yield to love? Let my love be heard – Rabia Whispering in your wings. – Alfred Noyes II. Wild Forces There are beautiful, wild forces within us. And So I Go On Let them turn millstones inside My lovely one My lovely one filling bushels that reach to the sky. though you are gone I am gone – St. Francis of Assisi taken from me taken from you I cannot leave you mine in your suffering III. Wondrous Creatures I am not free mine in your joy O wondrous creatures, by what strange miracle do you so often not smile? I burn in snow my snow will kiss you – Hafiz and thirst in rain pouring down my love there is no sea there is no sea IV. The Heart’s Veil that can drown my pain that can drown your pain V. My Soul Is a Candle but you want me to live I want you to live My soul is a candle that burned away the veil; and love again and love again only the glorious duties of light I now have. The soul is a candle that will burn away the darkness; and so I go on and so I go on only the glorious duties of love we will have. Tenderly, I now touch all things, knowing one day we will part. always always – St. John of the Cross wherever you are wherever you are lovely one lovely one VI. The Hope of Loving – Todd Boss What keeps us alive, what allows us to endure? It is the hope of loving, of being loved. We weep when light does not reach our hearts. We wither like fields if someone close does not rain their kindness upon us. My soul has a purpose, it is to love. – Meister Eckhart

10 11 ABOUT JAKE RUNESTAD

Flower Into Kindness The soul is made of love and must ever return to love. There is nothing so wise, nor so beautiful, nor so strong as love. – Mechthild von Magdeburg Considered “one of the best Above all, love. of the younger American – Peter the Apostle ” ( Tribune), I shed my words on the earth as the tree sheds its leaves. Jake Runestad is an award- Let my thoughts unspoken winning and frequently flower into kindness. – Rabindranath Tagore, adapt. Runestad performed composer of “highly imaginative” (Baltimore Sun) Optional Selections We Can Mend the Sky and “stirring and uplifting” If we come together, we can mend a crack in the sky. (Miami Herald) musical works. – Traditional Somali He has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles and organizations such as Washington National , the Netherlands Radio Choir, the Dallas Symphony Chorus, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Seraphic Fire, the Louisiana Philharmonic , the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare, and many more. Steeped in a belief that music has the power to initiate positive change, Jake creates musical works that are socially conscious and explore authentic human emotions and experiences.

Conductors, performers, and audiences continue to praise his music for its ability to connect with the head and the heart. As a result, Jake was one of the youngest composers ever awarded the Raymond W. Brock Commission from the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) in 2018 — the foremost commission available to composers of choral music in the USA — in addition to many other awards, honors, and fellowships. Jake’s visceral music and charismatic personality have fostered a busy schedule of commissions, residencies, workshops, and speaking engagements, enabling him to be one of the youngest full- time composers in the world. Jake Runestad holds a Master’s degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory of the where he studied with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer . Has has also studied extensively with acclaimed composer . Find out more at: JakeRunestad.com

12 13 SINGERS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS SINGERS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS Soprano Tenor

Mela Sarajane Dailey Chelsea Helm Julie Keim Stefanie Moore Dann Coakwell* Michael Jones David Kurtenbach Jos Milton (Austin, TX ) (Houston, TX) (Washington, DC) (Los Angeles, CA) (Ithaca, NY) (Philadelphia, PA) (San Francisco, CA) (Oxford, MS)

Fotina Naumenko Kathlene Ritch* Alissa Ruth Suver Wilson Nichols Jason Vest (Washington, DC) (Santa Fe, NM) (Nashville, TN) (New York, NY) (Cincinnati, OH)

Alto Bass

Ana Baida Sarah Brauer Angela Burns Janet Carlsen Jason Awbrey Simon Barrad Rick Gabrillo* Robert Harlan (Atlanta, GA) (Portland, OR ) (Wilmington, NC) Campbell* (Dallas, TX) (San Francisco, CA) (Round Rock, TX) (Austin, TX) (Omaha, NE)

*Denotes section leader

Lauren McAllister Keely Rhodes Tim O’Brien John Proft (Cincinnati, OH) (Austin, TX) (Austin, TX) (Austin, TX) Instrumentalists

Douglas Harvey Carla McElhaney Caleb Polashek Stephen Redfield Bruce Williams cello piano violin violin viola (Austin, TX ) (Round Rock, TX ) (Hattiesburg, MS ) (Austin, TX ) (Austin, TX ) 14 15

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

Conspirare has commissioned works from wide-ranging composers including , Tarik O’Regan, Jocelyn Hagen, Donald Grantham, , , Mark Adamo, Robert Kyr, , and Eric Performing Note Banks. A commitment to new music and willingness to showcase a broad Conspirare has the privilege of performing in a variety of beautiful venues that best context through diverse programming is evident from the first recording enhance choral performances. While our performing venues and the text of some in 2004. Through the green fuse features a Gaelic hymn, African-American of our repertoire may be representative of specific traditions, it is in no way intended spirituals, and works by Sibelius, Stephen Foster, Eric Whitacre, among to exclude any individual whose experience or set of beliefs is not represented. Conspirare respects and celebrates the great diversity of religious, artistic and human others. It was followed in 2006 by Requiem (works by Howells, Whitacre, experiences represented among our singers and audience members. The audience and Pizzetti) which received two Grammy Award nominations. creates the space in which the music is held. 16 17 CRAIG HELLA JOHNSON

As Conspirare’s founder and A composer and arranger, Johnson works with G. Schirmer Artistic Director, Johnson Publishing on the Craig Hella Johnson Choral Series, featuring specially selected composers as well as some of his own original assembles some of today’s compositions and arrangements. His music is also published by finest singers to form a Alliance Music Publications. Johnson’s pieces are in high demand world-class ensemble. by choirs across the who also commission his work.

Johnson is also music director of the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble and Beloved by audiences, lauded by critics and conductor emeritus of the Victoria Bach composers, and revered by musicians, Johnson is Festival. He has served as guest conductor known for crafting musical journeys that create with Austin Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Oregon Bach Festival, Harvard University and many others in Texas, the U.S. and abroad. deep connections between performer and listener. 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 first concert-length compositionConsidering Matthew Shepard was premiered and recorded by Conspirare for a 2016 Beloved by audiences, lauded by critics and composers, and revered CD release. The Bay Area Reporter wrote: “Considering Matthew by musicians, Johnson is known for crafting musical journeys that create Shepard is a deeply American piece, performed with utter dedication deep connections between performer and listener. A unique aspect by performers for whom it was composed. But its universality lies in of Johnson’s programming is his signature “collage” style: marrying the fact that it could be performed by many others – and must be, for music of many styles from classical to popular to create moving all our sakes.” experiences. The Wall Street Journal has praised Johnson’s ability to “find the emotional essence other performers often miss.” Composer Johnson’s accomplishments have been recognized with numerous and collaborator Robert Kyr has observed that “Craig’s attitude toward awards and honors. Notably among them, he and Conspirare won a creating a community of artists…goes beyond technical mastery into 2014 Grammy® for Best Choral Performance, Chorus America that emotional depth and spiritual life of the music.” granted him the Michael Korn Founders Award for Development of the Professional Choral Art in 2015, and the Texas State Johnson was Director of Choral Activities at the University of Texas Legislature named him Texas State Musician for 2013. Other honors at Austin from 1990-2001 and remains an active educator, teaching have included 2008 induction into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame, workshops and clinics statewide, nationally, and internationally. In fall Chorus America’s 2009 Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action 2012 he became the first Artist-in-Residence at Texas State University and Entrepreneurial Zeal, and the 2011 Citation of Merit from School of Music. international professional music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon. Johnson studied at St. Olaf College, the Juilliard School, and the University of Illinois, and earned his doctorate at Yale University.

18 19 Season Sustaining Underwriter Board of Directors Artistic & Administrative Staff Nancy Lesch, Chair Craig Hella Johnson Robert Harlan, Vice Chair Artistic Director Tricia Yost, Treasurer William C. Bednar, Secretary Ann McNair Ken Beck Managing Director 2018/19 Corporate Sponsors Mark W. Bierner Marianne DeLeon Marvin J. Brittman Chief Development Officer Mary Anne Connolly Susanna Finnell Scott Dinger Sandy Fivecoat Development Manager Sustainers & Major Donors Marcus Cruz Sanchez Joni Wallace Rick Gabrillo LEGACY Associate Conductor OF SOUND 2 Advisory Board Robert Harlan Stephen Aechternacht Production Consultant Foundation Supporters John Aielli Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation Bloomberg Philanthropies Sue Barnes Sam Henderson The Burdine Johnson Foundation Eva & Marvin Womack Foundation Mark Bierner Office Manager & James K. Ferguson Foundation Keating Family Foundation Ray Brimble Conspirare Concierge David Claflin Kodosky Foundation Rachael & Ben Vaughan Foundation Tom Driskoll Natalie Howard Red Bird Foundation Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts

Virginia Dupuy Conspirare Youth Choirs Manager Restaurant Partners Maydelle Fason JoLynn Free Ben R. King Billy Gammon Production Assistant Vance George Public Agency Sponsors Meri Krueger Helen Hays Artist Relations Dan Herd William B. Hilgers Jaime Leighton Wayne Holtzman Production Administrator This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department. Judith Jellison Media Sponsor Bob Murphy Kathy Leighton Lynn Murphy House Manager Cliff Redd In-Kind Sponsors Gayle Glass Roche Jane Ramirez Nancy Scanlan Business Manager Angela Smith Nina Revering Bernadette Tasher Conspirare Youth Choirs Director Outreach Partners Louann Temple Eva Womack Nathan Thompson Midge Woolsey Production & Operations Intern 20 21 We thank each individual, foundation, business, and government agency for each investment in Conspirare’s mission to change lives through the power of music. This $2,500-$4,999 Ann B. Fields+ Anonymous (2)*+ list represents gifts made from July 1, 2017 through December 18, 2018. When we Michael Fleming+ James Arth*+ make music, we make it together. Khris Ford+ Denise & Timothy Burke+ Constance & Thomas Foster When we make music, we make it together. Fleur Christensen Jolynn & Gregory Free*+ * Denotes Hella Circle members Catherine Clark+ Mary Nell Frucella*+ + Denotes Considering Matthew Shepard donors Mary Anne Connolly*+ Cheryl Fuller* # Denotes Legacy of Sound 2 donors Angela Crisara Mary Gifford* Janice & Rowland Curry* DeDe Rogers+ Kim & Steve Gilbert $50,000 + Susan & John Fox Anonymous+ Texas Commission on the Arts Deborah Glusker+ Glenda Goehrs*+ Anonymous*+# Joni Wallace*+ Deena Graham+ Cynthia Gonzales & Bill Guajardo*+ Bloomberg Philanthropies Jeanne & Donald Grantham Helen & Bob Hays*+ City of Austin – Cultural Arts Division Gusto Italian Kitchen $5,000-$9999 Jay Henry & Marc Coté* Lynne Dobson & Greg Wooldridge* Elizabeth Armstrong+# Martha & David Harrington* Ronald Jernigan+ H-E-B Tournament of Champions Nancy & Randy Baden*+ Carol & Bob Hayden* Marjorie Johnson* Tina & Dale Knobel*+ Joyce & Ken Beck*+ Garrett Higley+ Karen Kibler & Tom Grimes Wendi & Brian Kushner*+# Bill Bednar*+# Jeanne & Van Hoisington+ Eric Leibrock*+ National Endowment for the Arts+ Janis & David Claflin*+ Linda & Ken Holmen+ Gomer Lesch+ South Texas Money Management Paula D’Arcy, Red Bird Foundation+ Melissa & Andy Hopwood Marcia Manhart Eva & Marvin Womack Foundation*+# Mela Sarajane Dailey & Peter Bay+ Carr Hornbuckle & Jack Leifer+ Joyce Mayer Mary & Phil Delk+ Peggy Howard & Bill Wood* The Cynthia and George Mitchell Joanne & John Earls, Joan & Paul Hudson* $20,000-$49,999 Foundation Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation The John C. Griswold Family Foundation+ Pam & Rick Huffman* Michele Morrison Anonymous* Jim Ferguson & Art Sansone+ David Hunt+ Margaret Murray-Miller & Carl Caricari*+ Anonymous+# James K. Ferguson Foundation+ Bill Ikard Judy & Douglas Rhodes Ginger & Michael Blair*+# Karen & Paul Galindo+ Daniel Jackson Teresa Ringness* Casey Blass & Lee Manford*+# Danny Hamilton & Paul Hilliard+ Frances Johns Cason Swindle* Marvin Brittman*+# Dean Hansell & Eric Kugler+ Kathleen Kinney*+ Mary Walker Fran & Larry Collmann*+# Hoisington Investment Management Co. KMFA Julia & Patrick Willis*+ Susanna & Richard Finnell*+# Sherry & Gary Jacobson*+ Donna Knox* Sandy & Bill Fivecoat*+# Cheline Jaidar* Claire Korioth $1,000-$2,499 Carol & Chris Elms*+# Craig Hella Johnson & Phil Overbaugh*+ Dina Kuntz+ Anonymous+ Lara & Robert Harlan*+ Mary Kevorkian & Tom Holzbach*+ Lucille Lamy* Anonymous*+ Richard Hartgrove & Gary Cooper*+# Kathy & Henry Leighton* Angie & Steve Larned*+ Randle Adair Per Stirling Group Nancy Lesch & Janet Bezner*+ Lou Ann & Bill Lasher+ Wayne Baker* Susan & Jack Robertson*+# Susan & Craig Lubin*+# Cindy Libera+ Laurie & Britt Barr Gayle & Mike Roche*+ Becky & Ted Mercado*+ LiveOak Venture Partners Linda & Nick van Bavel* Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Merick Strategies Sheila Lummis* Margaret & Robert Berdahl Still Water Foundation Suzanne Mitchell & Richard Zansitis*+ Leigh McAlister+ Victoria & Robert Bergin* Rachael & Ben F. Vaughan Foundation Elizabeth & Jerele Neeld*+ Suzanne McAllister*+ Anne Bertholf* Ozden Ochoa* Amy McCaffrey+ David Bohnett Foundation+ Quartz Financial Janet McCullar*+ $10,000-$19,999 Vera Bowen+ Anonymous+# Nancy Quinn & Thomas Driscoll+# Ruth McGregor+ Greg Bryant* Mark Bierner*+# Linda & Robert Ramsey+ Kay & Tom McHorse Sarah & Ernest Butler Dixie Camp Duane Roth* Vance McMahan+ James Campbell Eric Copper+ Cyndee & David Rust Ann McNair* Richard Campbell* Danna & Crutch Crutchfield*+ Nancy Scanlan*+ Suzi & Douglas Nelson+ Alice & Gary Childress Dee Garcia+ Bernadette Tasher*+ William Nemir+ Cory Cox Trish & Robert Karli*+# Johanna & Mitch Vernick*+ Cynthia & Lip Norvell Margaret & Marc Curtis*+ Keating Family Foundation Julia & Stephen Wilkinson Carol Ann Pevehouse* Marianne DeLeon* The Kodosky Foundation, Gail & Jeff Kodosky*+ Patricia & Chris Yost*+ Rebecca & Phil Powers Michael DiLeo Monica & JP O’Sullivan Jane Ramirez* Rena & Richard D’Souza Dee Anne & Steven Paulson*+ Louise Reeser Gregory Cash Durham & Bob Gutermuth* Stu Phillips*+ Kimberly & Dan Renner Susan Feagin & Rip Wilson+ Corey Proffitt, Toyota Motor N.A.+ Lynn & Dick Rew Susan Nash Fekety Senaida San Miguel+

22 23 Barbara Schutz+ Mary G. Lund+ Anton Armstrong Laura & Richard Matz Tony Sessi Joey Martin+ Robbie & Tom Ausley Dax McCracken Marilyn Sharratt+ Sara McIntosh+ Steve Baker Virginia McDermott & William Schleuse David Smith+ Debe & Kevin McKeand Roland Barrera* Kate McKenna* James Stolpa Lisa McLean & Michael Dennis Browne+ Barbara & Kevin Barry+ Karen McLaughlin* John C. R. Taylor & Peter Flagg Maxson Mary Jane McReynolds+ Steven Beebe+ Jeanie Miley+ Susanne Tetzlaff & Eric Tiblier Anthony Medley+ Cindy & Pat Behling Janet Miller+ Susan & John Tew+ Susan & John Meurling+ Bridgette Beinecke+ Phyllis Miller Texas Cultural Trust Barbara Miller+ Ingrid & Nathan Bick Rebecca Miller* Texas Women for the Arts Linda Monk Dianne & Douglas Brehmer Bailey+ Evan Morgan Sandra & Bob Tomlinson*+ Louise Morse George Brennan Fran & Steven Moss Anne & William Wagner+ Lynn & Bob Murphy+ Kay Brumley Jane Niemi+ Francine Webb Eric Neuville Neil Bubke* Gretchen Olson Kopp+ Amy & Philip Welsh+ Nona Niland* Anne Byars Jonathan Palant+ Kathleen Wicoff*+ Marcia Noebels+ Janet Campbell Janna Paulson James Wood+ Ann Marie Olson Paul Carapetyan+ Andrea Pobanz*+ Aurelia Palubeckas Doug Carroll Robert Radebaugh+ Elizabeth & Nathaniel Chapin+ Flo Ann Randle+ $500-$999 Linda & Paul Parrish*+ Carol & Chris Adams Sonny Payne Thomas Christie+ Joanne & Jerome Ravel Margaret & Robert Ayres Pelton Charitable Foundation, Inc. Nathasha & David Collmann Keely Rhodes Ann & Jeff Bomer Frederick Pestorius Nancy Crichlow+ Erma & Chris Richter+ Jennifer Braham Jan & Joseph Pickle Suzanne & Louie Danuser Kathlene Ritch & Scott Noakes*+ Leslie Brown+ Paul Povse Mary Alice Debow* Jan & Robert Ryan Linda & George Brown Lynn & Brian Powell Karl Dent+ Kirsten & John Ryden Brad Buchholz Katy & Buzz Pruitt* Nin & Jeffrey Di Leo+ Safeway Inc. Shirley Burger Louis Renaud Kathryn Doane William Schleuse Carla & Stephanie Burzyk-Smith David Renner+ Dianne Donovan & Mitch Watkins+ Sally Schott Judy & John Bush+ Karin Richmond*+ Timothy Dowler+ April Schweighart Patrick Cantilo+ John Roberson Sharon Duboise Valerie Serice Christine & J. Dennis Cavner+ Marianne Rochelle Pam Edgerly Carole & Charles Sikes Annette Carlozzi & Dan Bullock Leilani Rose+ Dana & Tim Effler+ Derald Skeen Patricia Cherico*+ Michal Rosenberger* George Elliman Anna & Don Sorensen* Bob Clagett* Rotary Clubs of Austin Sylvia Fatzer Marga Speicher+ Kathryn & Michael Coffey* Deborah & Ed Rupp*+ Calla Feucht Asher Streets Marie Crane Carmine Salvucci & Steve Brister+ Kemper Florin Marion Lear Swaybill+ Lisa & Eric Craven Mary & Jo-Michael Scheibe Jody Gillit Franklin Tinney+ Cina Crisara Jan & Harold Schneider Kendal & Ken Gladish+ Joan Tonn Mary Lockwood Crouch Michelle Schumann & Matt Orem* Denise & Robert Gomez Faith & Don Trapp*+ Catherine Crutchfield Light Silicon Valley Community Foundation Melissa Gray+ Lauren Vick* Melissa Eddy & Tracy Schiemenz*+ Gabrielle Sigel & Howard Epstein Glenn Haluska Julie Ward* Constance & Rex Esau* Carol Smith & Barbara Corbin+ Roxie & Jim Hayne Trudy Waters & John Bennett Elliott Forrest+ Jare & Jim Smith* Megan & Michael Helmbrecht* Andrew West Steven Fox Katy & Chris Steiner* HQ 83 Katherine & Steve White* Regan & Billy Gammon Mae Stoll* Melissa Huebsch-Stroud* James Williams William Halverson+ Linda & John Thomas Carolyn Hynson Joyce Zehr+ William Harrison Chris Tokunga Sylvia & David Jabour Karen & Leroy Haverlah+ Julie Toler* Judith Jellison & Robert Duke Conspirare also thanks all donors of gifts Margaret Henderson Dale & Roy Truitt* Cecile Johnson+ under $250 and regrets that space does Kelli & Van Jr. Hoisington Anne & Tony Vance* Vonciel & Larry Keister+ not permit the listing of each name. Karen & Donald Kirmis+ Patricia & Curtis Wyman Ervin Knezek+ Your support is equally appreciated. Lynn Knaupp & John Griffin+ Tim Young+ Roberta & Richard Lang* We strive to publish an accurate donor list. Bonnie & Sidney Lanier Mina Kumar If an error or omission is noted, please Hillary Larson+ Jodi Lazar $250-$499 let us know by calling Sam Henderson at Kevin Lemoine+ Kati Lewis+ Albertsons Safeway 512.476.5775. Emily Little*+ Amazon Smile Campaign Cameron Lockley* Karoline & Daniel Liu Anonymous (2) Alaire & Tom Lowry+

24 25 DONOR SPOTLIGHT CONSPIRARE AMBASSADORS Nancy Lesch and Janet Bezner Chris Baker Greg Thompson Nancy Lesch and her partner, Janet Bezner, Mary Cook Veryan Thompson Christine Duval Carol Walker are not only experts in health and wellness Tim Ferchill Thressa Webb and organizational strategy, but they are Vivian Ferchill Kathleen Wicoff both dedicated contributors to Conspirare. Calla Feucht Edwin Williams They’ve been critical guides for planning Joe Filak Patti Filak Conspirare’s future growth, and we are PRODUCTION TEAM Michelle Fisher Viera Buzgova grateful for their contributions. Stephanie Foster Robert Harlan Leslie Friedlander Brad Michel Nancy Lesch has served on the Board of Directors for Conspirare for Mary Gifford Will Pearson Wravan Godsoe the last four years, including serving as chair, overseeing the development Stinson Studios Emily Heussler Robina Young of Conspirare’s new strategic plan, and helping to launch the organization’s Sara Hilgers 25th anniversary commemorative year. She holds a Master of Music in Rod Howard Choral from the University of Texas at Austin and has sung Bill Hulsey FRIENDS Virginia Hyde & SUPPORTERS with Conspirare’s Symphonic Choir for eight years. In her professional Jimmie Johnson Cynthia Gonzales, Christmas Transcription life, Lesch brings more than 30 years of wellness industry experience Henry Leighton Mallory Heson aimed at engaging large-scale employers in supporting healthy living. Beverly McCune KMFA Her specialties include product development, strategic consulting, and Becky Miller McCarthy Print Kim Mosley Andréa Muñoz, Word of Mouth Catering client relationship management. Her work is focused on supporting Barbara O’Brien Phillip Overbaugh her clients with innovative ways to drive higher engagement among Don O’Brien Jake Runestad employees and better health outcomes. Ken Reed Steinway of Austin, Marcy Porcher Pat Reed St. Martin’s: Pastor Peter Sandeger, Tim O’Brien, MJ Strickland Mike Kasse, and Steve Weger Janet Bezner, Nancy’s life partner and one of Conspirare’s newest Ambassadors, has conducted both pro-bono and paid consulting for organizations seeking to implement strategic plans. Nancy enlisted CONSPIRARE AMBASSADOR Chris Cavner In the fall of 2006 a friend gave me a Conspirare CD. Janet to share her expertise as an organizational development consultant I was spellbound! For the next three weeks that was with Conspirare; in this capacity Janet worked in tandem with Nancy to the only thing in my CD player. I learned the words develop our newly launched, three-year strategic plan. Janet currently to every song and sang along at the top of my lungs works as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy in my car. I was transported! Soon after that I called at Texas State University. She joined the faculty at Texas State in Fall 2014, Conspirare to inquire about volunteering. My first having taught at Southwest Texas State earlier in her career. Dr. Bezner ushering job was Christmas at the Carillon 2006. Since also has served as a staff Vice President at the American Physical Therapy then, I’ve done a million different volunteer jobs for Association for 9 years. Her PhD is in health education from the University Conspirare — file music, stuff and stamp envelopes, organize the music of Texas, and her interests and expertise are in health promotion, library, mail music to the singers, sell CDs, work ticket sales, and ushering. prevention and wellness. Being associated with Conspirare has been life-changing for me and We would like to thank Nancy and Janet for their many contributions. even though I don’t sing, I’ve found lots of ways to help and be involved. Their expertise in planning has been a gift to Conspirare. My husband and I were honored to support the creation and premiere of Considering Matthew Shepherd and it’s been a delight to see its success. To learn more about contributors to Conspirare, please visit our Donor Conspirare re-awakened my love for singing and choral music. I remember Spotlight webpage. as a child, singing along to 78 rpm albums of every popular Broadway musical. I am humbled to have been a Conspirare volunteer for over ten years and I look forward to another ten!

26 27 We’re Saving A Chair For You!

At Chez Zee we love birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, engagements, baby showers. WAYS Celebrations for all of life’s events.

We make Amazing cakes. TO GIVE And create Magical Celebrations. 3 Make a reservation today. 512.454.2666 chezzee.com

5406 Balcones Dr. | Austin Texas 512.454.2666 | chezzee.com

LEGACY A MAJOR GIFTS CAMPAIGN TRANSFORMING THE WORLD 2 OF SOUND THROUGH SONG

A SUSTAINABLE GIVING CAMPAIGN BELIEVERS IN THE POWER OF MUSIC TO CHANGE LIVES

AN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN March BE PART OF CONSPIRARE’S MAINSTAY TEXT SONG TO 243725 Moderns March 26 – 31, 2019

Tickets at conspirare.org FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO CONSPIRARE.ORG Songs of Freedom Feb 8 & 9 McCullough Theatre

Under the direction of Grammy Award-winning drummer, Ulysses Owens Jr., the 1960s are explored through the work of three prolific artists: Joni Mitchell, Abbey Lincoln, and Nina Simone. Photo by Pablo Raquielme Pablo by Photo

Chamber. Experience Voice. Jazz. Gospel.

Subscribe & Save Subscription tickets as low as $25

texasperformingarts.org Now serving wine and tea infused sparkling cocktails

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily and Brunch on Sundays

4400 N Lamar Blvd 512-977-8337

thesteepingroom.com

La Follia Austin Baroque Keith Womer, Director Stephen Redfield, Concertmaster

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 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 THE ‘NEW’ BRAND YOU’VE KNOWN FOR DECADES... MARQUEE REBOOTED!!

• LOCAL • DEDICATED • HUGE INVENTORY • TRUSTED EXPERIENCE Our commitment to service and quality mean value to you.

Lunch & Dinner Drive Thru & Saturday Brunch AUSTIN | 512-491-7368 512 • 645 • 0214 5210 Airport Blvd. Austin, Texas 78751 www.salaandbettyatx.com Choral Department

Texas State University Master of Music Choral Conducting

Choral Conducting Symposium Craig Hella Johnson Artist in Residence

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

Joey M. Martin Director of Choral Activities Jonathan Babcock Save the Date Assoc. Director of Choral Activities for our Spring 2019 Concert Lynn Brinckmeyer Director of Choral Music Education Craig Aamot June 24–28, 2019 Lecturer of Choral Music Moonrise Texas State University May 3 & 4, 2019 Performing Arts Center

St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Application deadline January 15, 2019 Auditions held February 25, 2019

Now scheduling auditions for season 14 (2018/19)! Please submit an audition request online at: conspirare.org/youth-choirs/join-us/audition 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