Roberto Sierra's Missa Latina - Conspirare

PROGRAMRoberto Sierra’sMissa LatinaMissa Latina ‘Pro Pace’ Roberto Sierra (b. 1953)Introit: Da pacem, DomineKyrieGloriaCredoOffertory: Rogate quae ad pacemSanctusAgnus DeiHeidi Grant Murphy,* sopranoDaniel Teadt, baritoneConspirare Symphonic ChoirConspirare Company of VoicesTexas State ChoraleVictoria Bach Festival Orchestra and ChorusCraig Hella Johnson, conductorProgram NotesThere is a tradition, centuries long, that musical settings of the Mass treatthe five sections of the Mass whose text never changes, known collectively asthe Mass Ordinary. The reason for this is that such a setting could be used(theoretically) any time the Mass was celebrated. A composer could certainlyinclude additional portions of the Mass, but any such portions would be fromthe Mass Proper which changes according to the season of the church calendarand the particular Sunday.This setting opens, then, with the Introit assigned in the Liber Usualis for the18th Sunday after Pentecost (p. 1056). Sierra’s Offertory combines a Gradualand Alleluia from a Mass to Beg for Peace (p. 1285) with an Offertory fromthe Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (p. 562). The composer also adds tothe Agnus Dei the Communion from the Mass to Beg for Peace (p. 1287).Sierra writes, “The concept of my Missa Latina ‘Pro Pace’ came directly out ofmy experience growing up as a Catholic in Puerto Rico. I still recall vividlyhearing the Mass in Latin in my hometown when I was a child. Thesememories created a strong impression—one that has only deepened throughthe years: a sense of mystery combined with power and compassion in hearingGregorian chant intoned by the priest in a ritual involving this ‘dead’ language.“The title I chose—Missa Latina—has dual meaning. On the one hand itrefers to the traditional Latin text, while on the other hand the work is infusedwith a ‘Latino’ character: full of Caribbean gestures that allude to my ownHispanic heritage, and which are present in so many of my works. Thesesounds can be heard particularly in the ‘Laudamus te’ of the Gloria and the‘Pleni sunt caeli’ of the Sanctus.”*Heidi Grant Murphy is exclusively represented by Kirshbaum Demler & Associates, Inc.,711 West End Avenue, Suite 5KN, New York, NY 10025, www.kirshdem.com. Ms. Murphy hasrecorded for Koch International, Deutsche Grammophon, Telarc, and Arabesque Recordings.Missa Latina was co-commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra ofWashington, D.C., Leonard Slatkin, music director, through a generous giftfrom the John and June Hechinger Commissioning Fund for New OrchestralWorks, and the Choral Arts Society of Washington, Norman Scribner, artisticdirector, through a generous gift from Anne B. Keiser and Charles Cerf.* * *4 5

The work’s opening movement uses the complete text of the selected introit.The text therefore is in three sections: first the antiphon, a freely conceivedprayer; next is a verse from a Psalm, in this case Psalm 121:1 (Roman Catholicnumbering) (“Laetatus sum . . .” sung by the chorus); and finally the Doxology(“Gloria Patri,” sung by the soprano solo). Unlike liturgical practice, theantiphon is not repeated. The music throughout has florid melodic lines overdrone-like sustained sonorities, having a distinctly Eastern character. Theorchestral postlude of the movement introduces the rhythm known in PuertoRico as the tresillo, a 3 + 3 + 2 pattern that will figure prominently throughoutthe Mass.The Kyrie is a plea for mercy before a seemingly implacable God. The musictakes on a more gentle character as the soloists enter. The center of themovement, setting “Christe eleison,” moves more quickly and brings in thetresillo rhythm.The tresillo dominates the opening of the Gloria at a faster pace. As thebaritone solo starts “Laudamus te,” the dance rhythm changes to a cha-cha.The soprano at “Gratias agimus tibi” changes the music to a slower, gentlerquality. But soon an energetic 6/8 pace initiates “Domine Deus.”An oboe solo brings the Eastern sound back for “Qui tollis peccata mundi,”with a very slow tresillo articulated by the bass drum and other bassinstruments. The dance character returns for “cum Sancto Spiritu,” whichleads to a recapitulation of both text and music of the movement’s beginning.The motives introduced by the soloists at the start of the Credo organize thethemes in this movement. Contrary to the usual approach of setting the Credoto music, Sierra’s music is full of mystery and even doubt. The movement is shotthrough with harmonies with non-resolving sevenths and ninths. “My Credo ismore introspective and of an intimate nature because it deals with the personalbelief everyone has and does not limit us to membership in [one] church.”earth portrayed vividly in the orchestra, and continues through his incarnation,crucifixion, and resurrection. The soprano provides an equally vivid picture ofChrist’s ascension.With “et iterum venturi” the tresillo puts in a brief appearance, leading toanother moment before the implacable God at the final judgment. Afterdeclarations regarding the Holy Spirit, the tresillo in a very fast tempo drives“et vitam venturi saeculi” with all the forces. A sense of resolution and peace isachieved with the concluding “Amen,” sung in hushed tones.As noted above, the texts assembled by Sierra for the Offertory are from acouple of Masses, but the texts are all drawn from the Vulgate of the Psalms:first Psalm 121:6-7, Psalm 147:1, and Psalm 134:3 and 6 (with slightly variedtext). The movement has a violent orchestral introduction, suggesting thosethings from which we seek the shelter of God’s peace. The texts are intoned,leading to a concluding “Alleluia” based on the tresillo pattern.The Sanctus features energetic, complex rhythms with changing metersignatures. After a pause the soprano introduces “Pleni sunt caeli,” styled afterthe Cuban son that united Spanish and African styles and in turn was the basisfor salsa. Following tradition, “Benedictus” is slower, in a gentle 3/4 led, again,by the soprano. The movement ends with a return of the faster “Hosanna”music.The Agnus Dei concludes the work with the customary Ordinary text and addsan adaptation of Christ’s words from John 14:27. The movement begins with areturn to the florid melody and Eastern character combined with moving pleasfor peace. The text from John is sung a cappella by the soprano and chorus.There is a final exhilarating “Alleluia” based on the tresillo pattern.— ©2011, David MeadThere is a kind of homage to Stravinsky as God the Son’s origin (“ante omniasaecula”) briefly takes on a primitive Russian quality. “Deum de Deo” istreated first as a mystery, then as a dance with the tresillo. But mystery takeshold again at “Qui propter nos homines,” with Jesus’ descent from heaven to6 7

Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine:and became incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary:et homo factus est. Crucifixus etiam pro nobisand was made man. He was also crucified for us,sub Pontio Pilato; passus et sepultus est,suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried.et resurrexit tertia die secundum Scripturas,On the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures;et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris.he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father.Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, judicare vivos et mortuos,He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,cujus regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum,and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit,Dominum et vivificantem: qui ex Patrethe Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the FatherFilioque procedit. Qui cum Patre et Filio, simuland the Son. Who together with the Father and the Sonadoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas.is adored and glorified, and who spoke through the prophets.Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et expectoI confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. And I awaitresurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.OFFERTORIUMRogate quae ad pacem suntJerusalem:Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem:et abundantia diligentibus te.and abundance for them that love thee.Fiat pax in virtute tua: et abundantia in turribus tuis.Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers.Lauda, Jerusalem Dominum: lauda Deum tuum, Sion.Praise the Lord, 0 Jerusalem: praise thy God, 0 Sion.Laudate Dominum, qui a benignus est:Praise ye the Lord, for he is good:psallite nomini ejus, quoniam suavis est:sing ye to his name, for he is sweet:omnia quaecumque voluit, fecit in caelo et in terra. Alleluia.whatsoever he pleased he has done in heaven and in earth. Alleluia.SANCTUSSanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of power and might.Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua.Heaven and earth are full of your glory.Hosanna in excelsis.Hosanna in the highest.Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.AGNUS DEIAgnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace,Pacem relinquo vobis: pacem meam do vobis,My peace I leave you: my peace I give you,dicit Dominus, Alleluia.saith the Lord. Alleluia.Performing NoteConspirare has the privilege of performing in a variety of beautiful venues.We seek out acoustical and aesthetic environments that can best enhance choralperformances and we are deeply grateful to our hosts. While our performingvenues may represent specific traditions and the texts of some of our repertoiremay also be representative of specific traditions, it is in no way intended to beexclusive of any individual whose experience or set of beliefs is not represented.Conspirare respects and celebrates the great diversity of religious, artistic, andhuman experiences represented among our singers and audience members. Ourshared musical experiences are intended to bring us together as we all seek tobe inspired by the power of great choral music. The audience creates the spacein which the music is held.10 11

Artistic PersonnelConspirare Symphonic ChoirConspirare Company of VoicesCraig Hella Johnson, Artistic Director & ConductorRick Gabrillo, Associate ConductorSopranoIrene AdamsRebecca AtkinsErika BaconChristine Boone *Cina Crisara *+Catherine DavisSusan Fernandez *Caroline FrommholdKimberly Gerber *+Glenda GoehrsNicole GreenidgeEmily Grundstad *Sara HillJulie KeimEva LaskarisPerry LinesCynthia LuxEmma LynchGitanjali MathurDevon McDermottElizabeth MoyleRebecca Muniz *Christina OrtizAmy Mitchell PooleyStephanie PickensKathryn QuirkKathlene RitchLena SalhaMary SimonCrystale TaylorSonja TengbladJennifer TillerKirsten Watson *Erica WeismanLauren WhiteNatalie WilemonShelby WilliamsJenny WolfeAltoLouise Kemp AvantPat Fatter BlackKaren Hoffman BlizzardWendy BloomJanet Carlsen CampbellFran CollmannMary Anne ConnollyDorea Cook *Barbara DurhamMelissa EddyRebecca Frazier-SmithCheryl FullerWravan GodsoeHelen HaysSheryl JonesCecilia KittleyLou Ann LasherLaura MartinSusan Ohlrich *Linda Ramsey *Flo Ann RandleKeely RhodesDeborah RuppChristy SalinasMary SmithAgatha TorkuKendra Welton-Lipman*+Katherine WhiteAriana WilliamsTenorDavid BaileyAnne BertholfDaniel BuchananHoward BurkettDaniel CooperPaul D’Arcy *Gary GoetheLoel GraberGus GutmanCarr HornbucklePeter HuBill HulseyRobbie LaBancaBill LasherDean LeakeJon-Michael LeesJim MaxwellJos Milton *+Bev RaneyLouis RenaudDean Revering *Dick RewTyler RhodesJonathan Riemer *David SchwarzDan SpenceMatt TreslerJim VolkemaRaymond Votolato +Steve WhiteDana WilsonBaSSBrent BaldwinChris BakerCameron Beauchamp *Klaus BichtelerAnton BoydDashon BurtonDavid FarwigRick Gabrillo +Aaron GerberRobert Harlan *Bruce HauflerBob HaydenRobert KarliJack LeiferJoe LoukotkaJoseph LubarsBen MayWill PearsonJohn ProftGary PyleFrank ShirleyEd SnoufferLarry SpeakmanWalter StewartTigh Walters* Symphonic Choir Section Leader+ Symphonic Choir Sectional Rehearsal LeaderFaith DeBow, rehearsal pianistTexas State ChoraleJoey M. Martin, DirectorSopranoKimberly ButlerErin EnglishDeanna ErrisurizRebecca KnoxTristi TobiasAltoLynn BrinckmeyerKathryn DaneJoey M. MartinTenorTodd BrennanLuke FackerSeth LaflerReyes Rodriguez, IIINicholas YtuarteBaSSDaniel ArredondoJonathan BabcockDanton BankayJoshua BrownMario Contreras, Jr.Jamieson McCaffityPatrick McMurreyBryan PulverSpencer WileyVictoria Bach Festival ChorusJim McFarland, Rehearsal DirectorSopranoJanet BornMallorie GabbertAnn HerbstSara SaweyAltoElisa CoffeyDebbie DurhamDiana FarleyLisa LewisKelley MoodyChristy SalinasDonna SalinasBillie SouthernShirley WilliamsonTenorJonathan RamirezBaSSMatthew CriggerKeith CoxScott WidemanConspirare Production TeamKatie AppleAnton BoydJames ElrodRick GabrilloRobert HarlanHelen HaysBenjamin SerratoWalter Stewart12 13

Victoria Bach Festival OrchestraCraig Hella Johnson, conductorViolin IStephen Redfield, Concertmaster, Hattiesburg, MSElizabeth Blackerby, Austin, TXBruce Colson, Austin, TXDominika Dancewicz, Houston, TXSusan Doering, Auberry, CAMolly Emerman, Austin, TXRichard Kilmer, Austin, TXCorinne Stillwell, Tallahassee, FLViolin iiKaren Clarke, Principal, Murfreesboro, TNJoan Carlson, Austin, TXBoel Gidholm, Rochester, NYKana Kimura, Houston, TXGesa Kordes, Chapel Hill, NCAnna Luce, Austin, TXNina Mavrinac, Converse, TXCaroline Slack, Houston, TXViolaBruce Williams, Principal, Austin, TXAmes Asbell, Austin, TXMelissa Brewer, Tallahassee, FLMartha Carpetyan, Austin, TXTomas Fajardo, Hattiesburg, MSGreg Luce, Austin, TXVioloncelloDouglas Harvey, Principal, Austin, TXBarbara George, Austin, TXChristopher Haritatos, Rochester, NYCraig Leffer, Dallas, TXShawn Sanders, Austin, TXDieter Wulfhorst, Auberry, CADouble BassMelanie Punter Principal, Tallahassee, FLJessica Gilliam-Valls, Pflugerville, TXRicardo Zuniga, Austin, TXFluteAdah Toland Jones, Principal, Wimberley, TXMelissa Colgin Abeln, El Paso, TXElizabeth Castano, Austin, TXOboeEmily Agnew, Principal, Rochester, NYJennifer Bernard, Austin, TXIan Davidson, Austin, TXClarinetVanguel Tangarov, Principal, Austin, TXAlan Olson, Round Rock, TXMary Schani, Austin, TXBaSSoonBrian Petkovich, Principal, San Antonio, TXDaniel Chrisman, Austin, TXNathan Koch, Austin, TXHornPatrick Hughes, Principal, Austin, TXAnn Marie Cherry, Austin, TXKurt Moede, Pflugerville, TXJill Rodriguez, New Braunfels, TXTrumpetRobert Cannon, Principal, Cedar Park, TXMichael Bucalo, New Braunfels, TXTim Shaffer, New York, NYTromboneNathaniel Brickens, Principal, Austin, TXPhilip Arno, Austin, TXJoseph Brown, Austin, TXTubaRaul Rodriguez, New Braunfels, TXTimpaniAnthony Edwards, Pflugerville, TXPercussionGenaro Gonzales, Principal, San Marcos, TXTom Burritt, Leander, TXGraeme Francis, Austin, TXMatthew Teodori, Austin, TXPianoFaith DeBow, San Marcos, TXHarpElaine Barber, Austin, TX14 15

About The SoloistsA shimmering soprano with enchanting stagepresence, Heidi Grant Murphy is one of theoutstanding vocal talents of her generation. Anative of Bellingham, Washington, her graduatevocal studies were interrupted when she was nameda winner of the Metropolitan Opera NationalCouncil Auditions and engaged by MaestroJames Levine to participate in the MetropolitanOpera’s Lindemann Young Artist DevelopmentProgram. Today, Ms. Murphy has established a reputation not only for her radiantmusicianship and impeccable vocal technique, but also for her warm personalityand generosity of spirit.2009-2010 orchestral engagements feature Ms. Murphy performing Haydn’sCreation with The Florida Orchestra, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 withOmaha Symphony, Handel’s Messiah with Columbus Symphony and Humperdinck’sHänsel und Gretel with San Diego Symphony. Conspirare in Austin,Texas welcomes Ms. Murphy for a performance of Roberto Sierra’s Missa Latina,a work she premiered throughout the United States and recorded with theMilwaukee Symphony Orchestra. International appearances are Mahler II withthe Bergen Philharmonic and Andrew Litton, and a selection of Mozart Ariasat Champs Elysées with Ensemble Orchestrale de Paris.Heidi Grant Murphy’s latest recording, Lullabies & Nightsongs, based on thechildren’s book illustrated by Maurice Sendak, was released in September 2009on Koch International. With Maestro Lorin Maazel and the New York Philharmonic,Ms. Murphy appears on a live recording of Mahler IV and a separaterecording of Augusta Read Thomas’s Gathering Paradise on New World.Other notable recordings include Roberto Sierra’s Missa Latina with baritoneNathaniel Webster and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra on Naxos, Hanseland Gretel (Gretel) with Andreas Delfs and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra,five additional discs for Koch and recordings for Deutsche Grammophon,Arabesque and Delos. She can also be heard on the Grammy-nominated SweeneyTodd (Johanna) for the New York Philharmonic’s private label.Baritone Daniel Teadt has recently appearedin Jonathan Kupper’s The Monkey’s Paw andKatarzyna Brochocka’s Happy Garden of Life withThe Microscopic Opera Company. He was aguest artist at WQED’s honoring of Byron Janiswherein he and the pianist performed selectionsof Mr. Janis‘ Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Mr.Teadt performed recitals with Pittsburgh SongCollaborative, the Friends of Music Guild andthe Music in the Country Art Song Series. He was baritone soloist in Brahms’Ein Deutsches Requiem with Clarion University and Carmina Burana atSusquehanna University. He also appeared in Pittsburgh Opera’s production ofDialogues of the Carmelites.Recently Mr. Teadt made critically acclaimed role debuts as Valentin in Faustwith the Tacoma Opera and Folco in Montemezzi’s L’incantesimo with OperaTheater Pittsburgh and was the baritone soloist in the West Coast Premiereof Roberto Sierra’s Missa Latina with the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Othernotable debuts include the Count in the Aix-en-Provençe Festival’s productionof Le nozze di Figaro, Cyrano with the Opera Company of Philadelphia,Grammy®-winning performances of Billy Budd with the London SymphonyOrchestra, and the Count with the Arizona Opera in a production directed bySir Thomas Allen. An alumnus of the Pittsburgh Opera Center, his roles thereinclude Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Donald in Billy Budd, and others.Mr. Teadt’s accolades include a Mattheus Sullivan Foundation grant, TheodoreUppman Memorial Award from the George London Foundation, GonzalusVocal Competition Prize, top honors from the Palm Beach Opera and MacAllisterOpera Awards, as well as being recently voted Pittsburgh Magazine’s 2010Best Local Artist. He maintains teaching positions at Washington & JeffersonCollege and Clarion University. He earned both his Bachelor and Master ofMusic degrees from the University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana, where hestudied with John Wustman.16 17

About the ComposerFor more than three decades the works ofcomposer Roberto Sierra have been partof the repertoire of many of the leadingorchestras, ensembles and festivals in theUSA and Europe. At the inaugural concertof the 2002 world renowned Proms inLondon, his Fandangos was performed bythe BBC Symphony Orchestra in a concertthat was broadcast by both the BBC Radioand Television throughout the UK andEurope.Sierra’s numerous commissions include works for many of the major Americanand European orchestras. International ensembles that have performed hisworks include the orchestras of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, New Mexico,Houston, Minnesota, Dallas, Detroit, San Antonio and Phoenix, as well asby the American Composers Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, LosAngeles Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish NationalOrchestra, the Tonhalle Orchestra of Zurich, the Spanish orchestras of Madrid,Galicia, Castilla y León and Barcelona, among others.Sierra’s work has garnered many honors. In 2003 he was awarded the AcademyAward in Music by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. The awardstates: “Roberto Sierra writes brilliant music, mixing fresh and personalmelodic lines with sparkling harmonies and striking rhythms.” His SinfoníaNo. 1, a work commissioned by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, won the2004 Kenneth Davenport Competition for Orchestral Works. In 2007 theSerge and Olga Koussevitzky International Recording Award (KIRA) wasawarded to Albany Records for the recording of his composition Sinfonía No.3 “La Salsa”. Roberto Sierra has served as Composer-In-Residence with theMilwaukee Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Puerto RicoSymphony Orchestra and New Mexico Symphony. In 2010 he was electedto the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences. For additionalbiographical and other information about Mr. Sierra, visit robertosierra.com.About ConspirareThe word “conspirare” derives from the Latin “con”and “spirare” translated as “to breathe together.”Founded in 1991 to present a summer classical music festival in Austin, Texas,Conspirare has rapidly grown to become an internationally recognized, professionalchoral organization that combines outstanding vocal artistry with innovativeprogramming. Led by founder and artistic director Craig Hella Johnson,Conspirare is comprised of two performing ensembles and an educational program.The Company of Voices is a chamber choir of extraordinarily talented professionalsingers from around the country presented in an annual concert series in Austin,other Texas communities, and locations in the U.S. and abroad. The ConspirareSymphonic Choir of both professional and volunteer singers performs one ormore large choral/orchestral works annually. The Conspirare Youth Choirs is aneducational program for singers ages 8-16, who learn and perform in two separateensembles, Kantorei and the Conspirare Children’s Choir.Conspirare produced its first commercial recording, through the green fuse, in 2004on the Clarion Records label. A second CD, Requiem, also on Clarion and sinceKaren Sachar18 19

eissued by Harmonia Mundi, was released in 2006 and received two Grammy ®nominations (Best Choral Performance and Best Engineered Album, Classical).Harmonia Mundi also released Requiem in Europe in 2009, and it received theNetherlands’ prestigious 2010 Edison Award in the Choral Music category. TheEdison is the Dutch equivalent of the U.S. Grammy.A third recording, Threshold of Night, was released worldwide in September2008 on the Harmonia Mundi label, Conspirare’s first title for the distinguishedrecording company. Threshold of Night received two Grammy nominations, BestChoral Performance and Best Classical Album. In October 2008, in cooperationwith Austin’s public television station KLRU, Conspirare filmed a PBS televisionspecial, “A Company of Voices: Conspirare in Concert,” that was broadcastnationally in March 2009 and is available on both CD and DVD. “A Companyof Voices” received a Grammy nomination as Best Classical Crossover Album.Conspirare’s next CD “Sing Freedom: African American Spirituals” was recordedlast October for release in September 2011 by Harmonia Mundi.In 2005 Conspirare received the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence,given by national service organization Chorus America. In 2007, as one of theselect choruses to receive a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts underits American Masterpieces initiative, Conspirare presented a four-day festival thatfeatured a distinguished gathering of composers and conductors, performancesof three world premieres, and a gala closing concert with a choir of 600 singers.In July 2008 Conspirare represented the United States at the Eighth WorldSymposium on Choral Music in Copenhagen, joining invited choirs from nearlyforty countries. In February 2010 Conspirare was an invited, featured choir atthe annual convention of the American Choral Directors Association/EasternDivision in Philadelphia. Conspirare received the 2010 Dale Warland SingersCommission Award from Chorus America to support the commission of a newwork by Seattle composer Eric Banks. In February 2011 Conspirare gave threeinvited performances in New York City under auspices of the Weill Music Instituteof Carnegie Hall.About Craig Hella JohnsonRenowned as one of the most influential voices in choral conducting in the UnitedStates, Craig Hella Johnson brings a depth of knowledge, artistic sensitivity, andimagination to his programs. As founder and artistic director of Conspirare,Johnson assembles some of the finest singers in the country to form a world-class,award-winning organization committed to creating dynamic choral art.In addition to his work with Conspirare, Johnson also serves as Artistic Directorof the Victoria Bach Festival, an annual event that draws musicians and criticalpraise from around the country. Of Johnson’s performance of Beethoven’s MissaSolemnis, Mike Greenberg of the San Antonio Express-News wrote: “Through all theamazing ebbs and flows of dynamics, the radiant balances, the seamless connectionof episodes, the theatrically astute tempo relations, the unified structural arc,the music shone forth with organic naturalness. Nothing sounded fussed over.Everything just sounded right.”Karen SacharJohnson served as Director of Choral Activities (1990-2001) at the Universityof Texas in Austin where he led the graduate program in conducting. He wasartistic director of San Francisco-based Chanticleer (1998-1999) and has servedas guest conductor with the Austin Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Santa Fe20 21

Conspirare Audio& Video RecordingsWatch for Harmonia Mundi’s release of our new CD Sing Freedom! African AmericanSpirituals in September 2011!We gratefully acknowledge the underwriters of Sing Freedom! African American Spirituals:Fran and Larry Collmann, Crutch and Danna Crutchfield,Bill and Jeanie Wyatt, and The National Endowment for the Arts.Recordings allow us to share Conspirare’s unforgettable artistry with a worldwide audience, andto create a permanent record for future generations. If you would like to help shape this legacy,please contact executive director Ann Hume Wilson at 512-476-5775.The Conspirare Catalog“A Company of Voices: Conspirare in Concert” – 2010 Grammy ® nominationPBS show, nationally broadcast in March 2009; available on CD and DVD“Thorns on the Rose” – Craig Hella Johnson’s first solo CD“Threshold of Night” – Two 2009 Grammy nominationsConspirare sings the music of Tarik O’Regan“Requiem”– Two 2007 Grammy nominations, 2010 Edison Award (the Dutch Grammy)Now on the Harmonia Mundi Label“through the green fuse” – A favorite collection featuring several spirituals“Angel Be” (2 CDs) – A collection of favorite live recordings by Cynthia Clawsonand Craig Hella Johnson, including four previously unreleased selections“Crossing the Divide: Exploring Influence and Finding Our Voice” (2 CDs) – Recordedduring the NEA sponsored American Masterpieces Festival in January 2007Christmas at the Carillon“Here Comes the Light” (2009)“Lay Me Low” (2008)“Love Again” (2007)“Love Calls You” (2006)“I Still Love You” (2 CDs - 2005)“Always” (2 CDs - 2004)“Nearer” (2003)“Where Does Morning Lie?” (2002)“Back to the Garden” (2001)“Home” (2000)Leadership CircleMaestro Circle.....................................$25,000+Impresario Circle................$15,000 — $24,999Benefactor Circle................$10,000 — $14,999Platinum Baton Circle............$5,000 — $9,999Golden Baton Circle...............$2,500 — $4,999Silver Baton Circle..................$1,000 — $2,499enclosed is my tax-deductible gift in the amount of $-or- i pledge a gift of $ to be paid in full by june 30, 2011.choose one:please charge my credit card $ per month for # months, begininning / /datei will pay by check $ per month for # monthsneed a different pledge plan? please call us at (512) 476-5775 to arrange.Payment Information❑ check payable to conspirarecredit card ❑ discover ❑ mc ❑ visa ❑ amexname on cardcard numbersecurity code expiration datesignaturenameaddressmust be signature of cardholderas you wish to be acknowledged in conspirare publicationscity state zipdaytime phone ( )e-mailemployerSupport ConspirareConspirare invites you to join our family of donors. Your contribution supportsour gift of music through performances of the highest artistic quality and througheducational and outreach programs, including the Conspirare Youth Choirs.Circle of FriendsSponsors.......................................$500 — $999Patrons..........................................$250 — $499Sustainers......................................$100 — $249Donors................................................Up to $99To order, please call (512) 476-5775; hear samples at Conspirare.org.Does your employer support the arts with matching gifts? If so, please enclose the completed form along with your payment.Mail to Conspirare, 1033 La Posada Drive, Suite 130, Austin, TX 78752. Conspirare is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Thank you for your generous support of Conspirare.24 25

SupportersSeason Sustaining UnderwriterDonorsGifts to Conspirare provide financial support for concerts, recordings, educationalprograms, and outreach activities. The following roster of donors includes cashand in-kind gifts received from individuals, family and private foundations,businesses, and government agencies between May 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011.We express our gratitude to each and every one of our donors.Business & Foundation SupportersThe KodoskyFoundationTheMattsson-McHaleFoundationPublic Funding AgenciesConspirare is funded and supported in part by the City of Austinthrough the Cultural Arts Division, the Texas Commission on the Arts,and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes thata great nation deserves great art.Media SponsorsThe MeadowsFoundationRussell Hill RogersFund for the ArtsThe Rachael & BenVaughan FoundationMaestro CircleCity of Austin Cultural Arts DivisionFran & Larry CollmannThe Kodosky FoundationThe Mattsson-McHale FoundationThe Meadows FoundationNational Endowment for the ArtsSouth Texas Money ManagementImpresario CircleRobert & Lara HarlanJeff & Gail KodoskyWendi & Brian KushnerGayle Glass Roche & Mike RocheMarc & Carolyn SeriffStill Water FoundationTexas Commission on the ArtsSheila & Ryan YoungbloodBenefactor CircleJeri DeAngelisLouise N. ReeserTesCom, Inc.Platinum Baton CircleAnonymousAmerican Composers Forum/Chorus AmericaKen & Joyce BeckRay & Karen BrimbleDavid & Janis ClaflinDavid & Catherine ClarkCrutch & Danna CrutchfieldThomas Driscoll & Nancy QuinnHelen & Bob HaysRobert & Trish KarliEric Leibrock & Ellen JusticeJoyce MayerLouise MorseRussell Hill Rogers Fund for the ArtsThe Rachael & Ben F. Vaughan FoundationCatherine & David WildermuthBill & Jeanie WyattGolden Baton CircleAha CommunicationsWilliam C. Bednar & Flo Ann RandleRobert & Pat BrueckJoe & Cynthia CainDartz DealsWilliam R. DicksonMary Nell FrucellaCynthia KeeverJoan & Tom KobayashiLou Ann & Bill LasherKaren & Paul LeekeHope Morgan & Mike TabornJerele & Elizabeth NeeldScott & Pam ReichardtJohn & Suzanne ShoreThe Honorable Bea Ann SmithMary Stephenson & David MinterMarion Lear SwaybillSusanne Tetzlaff & Eric TiblierSilver Baton CircleAnonymous (3)Sandi AitkenShannon ArmstrongBecky Beaver & John DuncanAnne BertholfKlaus Bichteler & Mary ParseJack Brannon & Brian MillerDan Bullock & Annette CarlozziDr. & Mrs. Paul BurnsErnest & Sarah ButlerCenTex BeverageDean & Gwen CollmannJerry CraftRobert F. DaileyMelissa Eddy & Tracy SchiemenzLot EnseyThe Fetzer InstituteRev. Dr. Ann FieldsFischer & Weiser Specialty FoodsBilly & Regan GammonGateway Music Festivals & ToursSusan & Jerry GatlinSteve GilbertGerre & Judith HancockIn honor of Craig Hella JohnsonRichard Hartgrove & Gary CooperHornaday Design26 27

Michael & Jeanne KleinTimothy KoockAngie & Steve LarnedKathryn LewisSheila LummisBob & Lynn MurphyWilliam NemirCarlisle PearsonE. Stuart PhillipsLinda RamseyLouis RenaudDick & Lynn RewNancy ScanlanWilliam Schleuse & Virginia McDermottPeter Schram & Harry UllmannAngela & Charles SmithDavid C. SmithIn honor of Craig Hella JohnsonJames StolpaTargetBernadette TasherChristopher Novosad, tiki2.comBen & Daphne VaughanWilliam & Anne WagnerMarc & Suzanne WinklemanAnn Hume Wilson & Evan WilsonEva & Marvin WomackLucia & Paul WoodruffSponsorsLinda AakerMaureen AlexanderEva King AndriesRobert & Patricia AyresAnn & Jeff BomerAmelia Bullock & Bill KrumpackRichard CampbellPablo CardenasChris & J. Dennis CavnerJo Anne ChristianJennifer ClarkJames & Debbie DunnVirginia & Robert DupuyBarbara DurhamMary Margaret & Ray FarabeeSam & Maydelle FasonDaniel FinchSusanna & Richard FinnellR. John & Susan FoxCheryl FullerTom & Kathy Cody GallawayGlenda GoehrsSusan GregersonBalie & Beverly GriffithMilton GuiberteauIn honor of Claire KoriothHarlan Motors CorporationWalter & Ann HerbstJane HilferJeanne & Van HoisingtonMorgan HunterDiane IresonMary M. KevorkianEva & Chris LaskarisMary Ann LeesMark & Lauren LevyEmily LittleManuel & Anne MartinezPhil & Sue MaxwellMilton D. Miller IIIvan Milman & Janie KeysSuzanne M. Mitchell & Richard A. ZansitisJanis Monger & Tom MasonLinda MonkSusan NegleyLeslie Oster & Daniel RodriguezDan & Kim PetersonForrest Preece & Linda BallCaren ProthroDaniel Ray & Ellen GouldSmith & Sandra RayDan & Kimberly RennerHamilton & Joanne RichardsAndy & Sally RitchJack & Susan RobertsonMichal RosenbergerCarole & Charles SikesKevin & Henley SimsJulie & Shawn SmithMary Smith & Walter StewartIn honor of all Symphonic Choir membersDr. Anna SorensenConnee & Kent SullivanVirgil & LaFern SwiftLois VanLaninghamCynthia L. & Thomas WalshPatronsDavid AndrewDr. Jacque AngersteinRobert & Margaret AyresCindy BehlingOla BellLeah BillingsleyPat Fatter BlackGrace BlairNancy BowmanJames CampbellNathaniel & Elizabeth ChapinElizabeth Christian & Bruce ToddDavid & Natasha CollmannFran & Larry CollmannIn memory of Philip J. OverbaughEleanor CraryEric & Lisa CravenCina CrisaraIn honor of Deborah RuppDr. Nell DaleStuart & Paula DamoreJohn DriggersDorothy Drummer & Greg EdenSusan DuncanRobert & Susan EpsteinIn honor of Wendi & Brian KushnerCliff & Martha ErnstSusan Nash FeketyGwen & Bruce FloryBarbara Gibbs & John DriggersDolly Gray-BussardIn honor of Wendi & Brian KushnerCarolyn Harris-HynsonCarr Hornbuckle & Jack LeiferH. David & Jan HughesIn honor of Bea Ann SmithBobby & Nancy InmanCraig Hella Johnson & Phil OverbaughMorris & Marge JohnsonTom Grimes & Karen KiblerDavid KendrickBill & Ann KleinbeckerGreg & Cynthia KozmetskyL & L Investment Company, LLCLawrence LawverJon-Michael LeesNora LiebermanAlbert LinIn honor of Bea Ann SmithThomas & Alaire LowryCynthia LuxDebe & Kevin McKeandVance McMahanLynn & Tom MeredithAnn MoodyDouglas NelsonMichael & Candace PartridgeJim & Nicole PizzitolaBrian & Lynn PowellFlo Ann RandleAmy RandolphBev & Milbrey RaneyJoanne & Jerome RavelDavid SchwarzLindsay & Joan SharpeMarilyn SharrattKay SheffieldKay SherrillCord & Anne ShifletKirk & Rose SmithSandra SmithJohn & Bess SommerMichael & Carol StehlingMrs. Louis StumbergMartha Faye TerryDon TrappErich VollmerIn honor of Wendi & Brian KushnerSteffen & Elisabeth WaltzIn honor of Wendi & Brian KushnerBen WearBill Wood & Elsa VorwerkSustainersAnonymous (3)Ginny AgnewIrene Eibenstein Alvisi & Lorenzo AlvisiErnest & Jeanette AuerbachErika BaconRoss & Kristin BassingerMim & Garrett BeauvaisSteven BeebeCraig & Holly BerentCarolyn BinghamDawn & Dusty BlackKaren BlizzardWendy BloomFloyd BrandtRoslyn & Sean BreenDr. Billye BrownGeorge BrownDavid BurgerHarvey CaugheyTom & Marsha CavenAnn ClarkMary Anne ConnollyIn honor of Col. & Mrs. John M. Connolly, Jr.Ralph CoonradCheryl & Eric CoswayMarie CraneKarel DahmenRichard DavisKay DelcherRobin & Karl DentNina & Jeffrey Di LeoCharles & Mary DickersonJerry & Shar DiercksSandy Dunn & Paul HarfordDan DworinSally EstesJuli FellowsJohn & Barbara FibigerLaura FielderCarol FlemingMary Anne FlournoyKaren & Bill GernsteinEliza GilkysonLoel GraberJames & Jo GreenGary GreenblumGus & Greta GutmanRonda HallHarmonium Choral SocietyDavid & Martha HarringtonLeroy & Karen HaverlahJanie Hayes & Jimmy Bisese28 29

Zhongli & Wendy HeRobert HollingsworthDr. & Mrs. Wayne HoltzmanJeffrey Hudson & Robert BlodgettMelissa HuebschLauren HughesJ Carlos / M Serrato FoundationTodd JermstadIn honor of Robert KarliElizabeth & GregorySteve & Daphne KahleStan & Biruta KearlJulie KeimMarguerite & Hugh KellyElinor KliewerJessica & J.J. LagowskiKathryn & Don LougheedMike & Sue MaineJerome MalekJennifer MartensMary Matus & Carol TaxisPeter Flagg Maxson & John C.R. Taylor IIIJerrald & Barbara McCollumIn honor of David FarwigKaren McLaughlinConnie McMillanJanis McSwainGlenn A. MillerBetty Shelton MillsJohn & Elizabeth Hansing MoonNancy MooreChip & Jan MorrisDiana MullinIn honor of Deborah RuppNeil & Maria NehringArthur & Beth NelkinIn honor of Charles & Jeanne GravesTom & Mary Sue Koontz NelsonIn honor of Nina Di LeoCynthia NorvellSusan OhlrichHilary OlsonRichard OrtonMargaret H. OverbaughThomas OverbaughGraydon ParrishJim & Joyce ParrishCathie ParsleyBrittan Pasloske & Mary Lea McAnallyPete & Elizabeth PaulHomer PayneAnn Phipps & Michael CannattiWilliam Pickens & Lindsey FalconerPonomarev FamilyKaren PopeAnne Praderas & Tony VanceGary & Cheryl PyleRobert & Deirdre RaganRandallsManohar RaoRose Ann & John ReeserIn honor of Louise ReeserNina & Dean ReveringGerhild B. RogersIn honor of Glenda GoehrsLeilani RoseDeborah RuppDonna & Christy SalinasNora & Andrew SansomDennis SchafferPete & Frances SchenkkanRhonda SchleicherPaul SchraiderMitzi ScottJames ShultzMary SimonDonald SkirvinJeffrey SmithJim SotirosDan SpenceJohn & Janice SpenceDon & Nancy SpencerBarbara & Bruce StevensonVirginia StottsRobert & Eileen SudelaRose & Joe SullivanGeorge & Nancy SuttonJack SwanzyRosera TateosianMeredith Thomas & Walter StroupAgatha TorkuNancy TownsendSusan TrautmannMarie Van RoekelCynthia & Mark VanderbergCharles VannIn honor of David SchwarzFred & Shirley ViehwegKarla & Augusto VillalonJeannette G. WalkerIn honor of Carolyn Harris-HynsonSandra Waycott & James PharesRobbie WebbDoreen WheelerAlex & Veda WhiteJay & Glaucia Vasconcelos WilkeyConspirare also thanks all donors of gifts under $100and regrets that space does not permit the listing ofeach name. Your support is equally appreciated.We strive to publish an accurate donor list. If anerror or omission is noticed, please let us know.Aha! Communications – Deborah PflugerAustin American StatesmanAustin ChronicleCameron & Beth Beauchamp*Blanton Museum of ArtCatherine Brimble*Linda Buehlmann*Sam & Anne Byars*Chris CavnerDavid & Catherine Clark*Fran & Larry Collmann*Paul Dodd*Ann & Ray EllisonCarolynn and Dale ElmshaeuserJames ElrodYasser Farra & Meri Krueger*Michelle FisherKim Gerber*Mary GiffordKathryn GovierHelen HaysHornaday DesignBecome our fan on Facebook,follow us on Twitter, and joinour e-list at conspirare.org toget the latest Conspirare news.512-476-5775 Conspirare.orgthank youBill HulseyKMFA-FMKUT-FMLSGS MagazineLong Center for the Performing ArtsBill Nemir*Christopher Novosad, Tiki2.comPhilip OverbaughMargaret PerryPuerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural CenterAna María Tekina-eirú MaynardKaren Sachar PhotographyBea Ann Smith*Mary Smith & Walter StewartSouth Texas Money Management– Jeanie Wyatt, Josie DorrisBernadette Tasher*TesCom, Inc.Texas Performing Arts at UT-AustinVeryan & Greg ThompsonVictoria Bach Festival – Nina Di LeoSheila & Ryan Youngblood** Special thanks to Artist Hospitality Volunteers30 31

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2011-2012performancesto be announcedsoon. The BlantonCantata Projectproudly supportsthe artistryof Conspirare.Calibration Services•• Certified Metrologists• Local Pickup & Delivery• Expedite Service Available• Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 &ANSI/NCSL Z540.1.1994• Repair Depot• Sale of New & Refurbished EquipmentSince 199934 35

we sing life2011-2012 SeasonSamuel Barber: American RomanticSeptember 22, GeorgetownSeptember 23-25, AustinAn all-Barber program honors this great American composer.Featuring the beloved Agnus Dei, plus the premiere of a neworchestration by Robert Kyr of Barber’s rarely performed TheLovers. Also to be recorded for a Conspirare CD!From the British IslesOctober 8, AustinConspirare Symphonic Choir tenors and basses join theConspirare Youth Choirs to perform works from Great Britain’srich choral tradition, including music from the Royal Wedding.Christmas at the CarillonDecember 1, VictoriaDecember 2, San AntonioDecember 3-5, AustinOur beloved holiday collage concert, with guestartists Mela Sarajane Dailey and Matt Alber.Joby Talbot: Path of MiraclesJanuary 19, FredericksburgJanuary 20-22, AustinA highlight of the season – the southwestern U.S. premiere of Pathof Miracles (2005) by British composer Joby Talbot. This mysticalmarvel was inspired by the journey of medieval pilgrims from thefoot of the Pyrenees to Santiago in northwest Spain. “An evocativejourney.” – The TimesHandel & Pärt:Brilliant Baroque, Sublime SilencesJune 8, VictoriaJune 9, AustinAn eclectic choral-orchestral program including George FridericHandel’s dynamic Dixit Dominus, Arvo Pärt’s luminous Berliner Messe,and On the Beach at Night by American composer Andrew Imbrie.Conspirare Symphonic Choirand Austin Symphony OrchestraOctober 14-15 and May 4-5, AustinThe city’s premiere symphonic ensembles collaborate in Holst’sThe Planets (October) and Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms andBernstein’s Chichester Psalms (May).Big SingNovember 17, February 23, and May 17, AustinWhere the audience is the choir!Conspirare Youth ChoirsDecember 9-10 and April 28, AustinConspirare’s youngest choristers sing music from around the globe.Midwestern TourMarch 2012Conspirare headlines the American Choral Directors AssociationCentral Division conference in Fort Wayne, with public concerts inMichigan, Indiana, and other locations to be announced.Whitacre & Lewis: New Year’s SpecialJanuary 21, AustinMusic by Eric Whitacre, including a preview of a long-awaited newpiece commissioned by Conspirare, plus world premiere of a newwork by Peter Lewis, also written for Conspirare.Tickets on sale in late July! Visit conspirare.org for updates.36