Podcast appearances and mentions of craig hella johnson

How can an arts organization consistently attract top talent and inspire top donors at their annual gala or signature fundraising event? In this episode, I talk with Craig Hella Johnson, Founder & Artistic Director of the multi-GRAMMY AWARD®-winning ensemble Conspirare, to discuss their signature fundraising event, Hidden Music. For over 30 years, Conspirare has captivated audiences with powerful, thought-provoking performances, including Craig's acclaimed work Considering Matthew Shepard. Their annual gala, Hidden Music, has become one of Austin's most beloved and successful fundraising events focused on the arts. Craig shares insights on how to build and retain a world-class ensemble, connect meaningfully with donors, and create events that leave a lasting emotional impact. He also reflects on how to honor loved ones with integrity and depth during fundraising performances. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Under the direction of Dr. Gerry Kreitzer, the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale has been preparing for their upcoming performance of the Grammy-nominated three-part Oratorio by Craig Hella Johnson, Considering Matthew Shepard. The music celebrates and honors the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was brutally attacked and murdered in 1998.  … Continue reading

In deze aflevering van Kalm met Klassiek hoor je muziek van een schrijfster die je hier niet 1, 2, 3 zou verwachten, want Eliza Gilkyson is een singersongwriter binnen de folkmuziek. Ze schreef in 2005 een een song als steunbetuiging aan alle getroffenen van een verschrikkelijke tsunami. Haar lied, 'Requiem', werd opgepikt door dirigent Craig Hella Johnson, die er een klassieke versie voor koor van maakte. En bij die vierstemmige klassieke versie vinden mensen nog altijd veel steun. Ook jij mag je er vandaag door laten troosten en verwarmen. Wil je meer Kalm met Klassiek? Ga naar npoklassiek.nl/kalmmetklassiek (https://www.npoklassiek.nl/kalmmetklassiek). Alle muziek uit de podcast vind je terug in de bijbehorende speellijst (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6YgSfm1Sux7CroiJvzeUdx?si=f0f254ee8f4048e7). 

Albany Pro Musica, the Capital Region's preeminent choral ensemble, presents the Capital Region premiere of “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a choral drama by Craig Hella Johnson, at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, New York on Sunday, March 9 at 3 p.m.

The “Choral Music Canon” is one of the many concepts that I believe can only be grappled with if we are able to hold two conflicting truths in mind. It is crucial for us to hold great art in high esteem, while recognizing that we won’t all agree on what makes the list. Renowned American … Continue reading "Episode 212: Wrestling With Tradition with Craig Hella Johnson"

Composer Robert Kyr provides an immersive experience of nature through several environmentally themed oratorios and choral dramas, including A Time for Life and Earth Vigil. He speaks with Mary Claire Murphy on his concepts and collaboration with the acclaimed ensemble Conspirare and their artistic director, Craig Hella Johnson. As a supplement to the conversation, see below for nature photography by Robert Kyr (captioned: Illuminated Cloud Beyond Mesas, Bright Mesa Rising from Stillness (High Noon), Bright Mesa Rising from Stillness (Twilight), Mesa with Three Trees, Bright Mesa Face, Illuminated Cathedral Mesa, Premiere of Earth Vigil, Mesa Descending into Twilight, The Tree of Life.

Conspirare – Miró Quartet/Craig Hella Johnson – House of Belonging (Delos) New Classical Tracks - Craig Hella Johnson by “It's exciting, isn't it? It's hard to believe,” says Craig Hella Johnson, the artistic director of Conspirare. “I don't know how to understand the passage of time like this because it feels like we just got started.”The vocal ensemble Conspirare was started 30 years ago in Austin, Texas, by Johnson, who was inspired by the power of music to change lives. Their anniversary celebration is underway with the release of their latest recording, House of Belonging, which features a long-awaited collaboration with the Miró Quartet.“I spoke about collaborations early on and how we can partner with musical friends, both just for the sheer joy of it and also to really learn. It's how we keep a knife-sharp edge in terms of our own creativity. “The Miró Quartet, they're just stupendous players themselves, and they come together and create this astounding magic.”Can you explain the title, House of Belonging, and the music that lives within it?“I thought, ‘What music do we need to hear at this time? What am I sensing in our audiences, the people? What are they going through in their lives? What's meant to be expressed from Conspirare at this time?' So, I chose these pieces, and it was quite an eclectic bunch initially. And I thought, ‘Oh, well, I don't see the thread yet.' And then suddenly it just appeared to me. It felt like what I observe culturally, just so many elements that aren't feeling a deep sense of belonging.“David White has a wonderful poem called The House of Belonging. I decided to borrow that as a working title. And then in the process, which was kind of quick, I got in touch with Alex Berko and asked if he would consider creating an anchor piece, a multimovement work.“He created a beautiful work called Sacred Place, and that's at the heart of this CD. He used a Jewish service as a model for the piece, as well as texts from a lot of different places. Wendell Berry is in the first movement. Then there's John Muir in a letter that he wrote to Teddy Roosevelt about preserving Yosemite.”You've said commissioning new works is important as part of the mission of Conspirare, and the recording opens with one of your pieces, Reaching.“For our Christmas concerts, we always sing in Austin and often in Houston. But in December 2022, we made a decision to reach out to the people in Uvalde, Texas, where that horrible school shooting took place in May 2022, to ask if they thought it would be helpful if we brought the concert on the road to Uvalde.“The whole team wanted to do this so deeply. The piece you're referencing is called Reaching, and it is the first track on this CD, just because it speaks to the yearning, the first lines of, ‘We are far away from home. We were turning away, oh, my unknown home. I love you. I'll never return.' It just spoke to that sense of separation in a simple way.“ Listen on YouTubeTo hear the rest of my conversation, click on the extended interview above, or download the extended podcast on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.ResourcesConspirare – Miró Quartet/Craig Hella Johnson – House of Belonging (Amazon)Conspirare – Miró Quartet/Craig Hella Johnson – House of Belonging (Delos)Conspirare (official site)Miró Quartet (official site)Craig Hella Johnson (official site)

Conspirare's founder and leader, Craig Hella Johnson, commissioned many of the pieces on House of Belonging and composed the opening track himself. The album's texts convey and explore themes about spirituality, philosophy, the natural world, and the human need for deep connection with others. Composers Kevin Puts, Derrick Skye, Alex Berko, Moira Smiley, Shara Nova, and Michael Schachter were recruited for the project, and the music of  Margaret Bonds and Ross Lee Finney completed the album. The emotive texts include verses by Euan Tait, John Muir, William Stafford, Wendell Berry, Rabindranath Tagore, David Whyte, Langston Hughes, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Hildegard of Bingen.Help support our show by purchasing this album  at:Downloads (classicalmusicdiscoveries.store) Classical Music Discoveries is sponsored by Uber and Apple Classical. @CMDHedgecock#ClassicalMusicDiscoveries #KeepClassicalMusicAlive#CMDGrandOperaCompanyofVenice #CMDParisPhilharmonicinOrléans#CMDGermanOperaCompanyofBerlin#CMDGrandOperaCompanyofBarcelonaSpain#ClassicalMusicLivesOn#Uber#AppleClassical Please consider supporting our show, thank you!Donate (classicalmusicdiscoveries.store) staff@classicalmusicdiscoveries.comThis album is broadcast with the permission of Sean Dacy from Rosebrook Media.

On tap this week is a pair of directors preparing to bring a thought-provoking program to the area stage. Marking 25 years since the tragic death of Matthew Shepard, Lafayette Master Chorale is joining with Purdue University Choir to present a contemporary oratorio on October 29th. Joining us are the Artistic Director of Lafayette Master Chorale, Michael Bennett, and Assistant Director of Purdue Musical Organizations, Purduettes, University Choir, and Recruitment, Jeff Vallier. The two talk about the moving experience of singing with others, creating physical sound resonance, and communicating with choral language. The recent impact and challenges of Covid, and the limitations posed by distancing, masking, and relayed headset sound, made apparent the fundamental magic of live, communal singing. Both Purdue Musical Organizations and Lafayette Master Chorale have a shared commitment to “uplift and encourage both singers and audience members.” The story of Matthew Shepard was a tragic mark on American society, with repercussions still felt to this day. His family, through the Matthew Shepard Foundation they've founded (https://www.matthewshepard.org), has made it their mission to “embrace the dignity and equality of all people.” The oratorio by Craig Hella Johnson. a relatively new piece, is comprised of varied segments, including classical, Broadway musical-style, country-western, and blues-oriented. It proves to be powerful and dramatic in numerous ways, including text in the music taken from protesters' signs.  Look for more information on the concert and coordinated events at: https://www.lafayettemasterchorale.org or https://www.purdue.edu/pmo/  Considering Matthew Shepard – Lafayette Master Chorale with the Purdue University Choir 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29th at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, West Lafayette

Steve wraps up Season 6 with a nice bow! After thanking all the guests from the season and giving some life updates/news, Steve shares the piece that has served as the opening music this season - Semper Solus In Turba (Always Alone in a Crowd). Solus: https://tinyurl.com/y2yus8ak In Turba: https://tinyurl.com/2un7c8jf Thanks to all our amazing guests this season!! Jaakko Mäntyjärvi http://www.jaakkomantyjarvi.fi/CVEN.html Janice Kapp Perry https://janicekappperry.com/ Andrew Morgan Smith https://www.andrewmorgansmith.com/ Diederick van der Laag https://www.diederikvanderlaag.nl/  Jessica French https://www.jessicafrench.net/ Dawn Sonntag https://dawnsonntag.com/ Dwight Bigler http://www.dwightbigler.com/ Sarah Rimkus https://sarahrimkus.com James Knox https://knoxsheetmusic.musicaneo.com/ Juhi Bansal http://juhibansal.com/ Tracy Wong https://tracywongmusic.com/ Rob Gardner http://robgardnermusic.com/ Garrett Breeze https://garrettbreeze.com/ Craig Hella Johnson https://conspirare.org Connect with us! Email: moveabledo@gmail.com Website: https://sdcompose.com/moveabledo Instagram: @Moveable_do_podcast Twitter: @MoveableDo --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moveabledo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moveabledo/support

This week on Moveable Do, Steve talks with Craig Hella Johnson, the director of the professional choral ensemble, Conspirare. This Minnesota native now lives in Texas and was named the 2013 official Texas State Musician. We talk about what that means, keys to programing a successful concert, and how and why he started Conspirare. Pieces featured on this episode: "Songs from the Road," "Gitanjali Chants," and two pieces from Considering Matthew Shepherd, "Cattle, Horses, Sky and Grass," and "The Fence (After) - The Wind." For more information about Craig and his music, visit https://conspirare.org. For more information about this podcast and a full archive of episodes, visit https://sdcompose.com/moveabledo. Keep the music moving! Connect with us! Email: moveabledo@gmail.com Website: https://sdcompose.com/moveabledo Instagram: @Moveable_do_podcast Twitter: @MoveableDo --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moveabledo/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moveabledo/support

Dr. Alan Baker, Music Director/Conductor of the Choral Society of NEPA and the Bloomsburg University Choirs, speaking about the upcoming performances of the regional premiere of "Considering Matthew Shepard", an oratorio by Craig Hella Johnson, to be presented 4/15 at 7:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit & 4/16 at 4:00 pm at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin Street in downtown Wilkes-Barre. There is no admission fee. www.choralsociety.net/

Dr. Alan Baker, Music Director/Conductor of the Choral Society of NEPA and the Bloomsburg University Choirs, offering a preview of the upcoming performances of the regional premiere of "Considering Matthew Shepard", an oratorio by Craig Hella Johnson, to be presented 4/1/23 at 7:30 pm in Mitrani Hall at Bloomsburg University; 4/15 at 7:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit & 4/16 at 4:00 pm at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin Street in downtown Wilkes-Barre. There is no admission fee. www.choralsociety.net/

*JOIN IN THE FUN!* The Confident Music Educator Course is opening for Cohort Two on September 1, 2022!  Danielle Larrick and I created this course with upper elementary and middle school general music teachers in mind. The course includes nine robust modules that help you earn strategies for working with older students, lesson planning, assessment, communication, technology and more.  You'll receive a wealth of information through video tutorials and conversations, a guided journal specifically made for the course, Google drive materials, and a private Facebook group for our community. The cost is $125 and doors open on September 1, 2022.  Don't miss out! Go to theconfidentmusiceducator.podia.com to join our email list and get ready to be inspired, prepared, and more confident in teaching your older students. Jodi Coke, aka The Choir Queen, is hear to share her secrets about creating a successful, joyful, and organized middle school choir.  Hint: relationships matter and so does planning!  If your students sing in the classroom - elementary, middle school general music, after-school ensembles, or middle school choir - this episode is for you!  Jodi has great ideas for starting off the year well and keeping organized throughout the year. Jodi Coke is a choral director and classical singer in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.  She is currently in her ninth year as the head choir director at Hillwood Middle School in Keller ISD and 17th year teaching. Jodi has sung with many professional choirs in the DFW area, including Orpheus Chamber Singers, Dallas Bach Society, and Vox Humana.  She has also sung with Conspirare, directed by the renowned Craig Hella Johnson, and is a soloist on the Grammy nominated album, “Threshold of Night.” Jodi holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of North Texas in 2006 and Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Southern Methodist University in 2014.  She resides in Fort Worth with her husband, Wes, and eight-year-old daughter, Kennedy, who is a pediatric cancer survivor. Links: Website: www.thechoirqueen.com Instagram: @the_choir_queen Podcast: The Choir Chronicles Email: thechoirqueen@gmail.com TPT: The Choir Queen   Jessica Grant: Instagram - @highafternoonti Email - contact@jessicagrant.org

For Video Edition, Please Click and Subscribe Here: https://youtu.be/DTiQGl9tPoM Peabody Award winning broadcaster, director, designer, filmmaker and producer. Afternoon host on New York's Classical Radio Station 105.9FM, WQXR, host of the national radio concerts of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and has hosted more than 60 concerts on-stage at Carnegie Hall, where his film FACE TO FACE premiered. Founding Executive Artistic Director of ArtsRock.org of Rockland County, NY. For 20 years he's been bringing professional concerts, theater and conversations to his upstate community. Co-Creator and Producer of the National Tour of AN EVENING WITH ITZHAK PERLMAN and MICHAEL FEINSTEIN CELEBRATES JUDY GARLAND. Co-Director and Projection Designer of the live national tour and PBS TV Special of CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD by Craig Hella Johnson. Executive Producer of The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park on the Radio of RICHARD II. Elliott has directed several versions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL with such Scrooges as David Hyde Pierce, F. Murray Abraham, Brian Cox, Tony Roberts and Kathleen Turner. He regularly produces, directs and designs symphony concerts: LA Philharmonic, The NY Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, New Haven Symphony Pasadena Pops and the Little Orchestra Society in venues including the Kennedy Center, Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center. Orchestra narrator: Saint-Saens' Carnival of the Animals, Peter and the Wolf, Stravinsky's Soldier's Tale and Britten's Young Person's Guide. For 12 years, Host for A&E Television's Breakfast with the Arts. BA in Theater from the University of Texas, Austin. www.ElliottForrest.com  

Dr. Howell talks with Craig Hella Johnson, Grammy-winning founder and Artistic Director of Conspirare renowned as one of today's most influential voices in choral conducting. They speak about conducting, composing, and deeper connections between music, spirituality, and the world. His work, Considering Matthew Shepard, will be at Myers Park UMC on June 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Today on In Unison, we're chatting with https://www.conspirare.org/people/craig-hella-johnson/ (Craig Hella Johnson), founder and Artistic Director of http://conspirare.org (Conspirare), a grammy-winning choir based in Austin, Texas that is comprised of distinctive solo artists from around the country who are also committed to the highest level of ensemble performance. Music excerpts “https://music.apple.com/us/album/let-the-river-run/586139787?i=586140158 (Let the River Run),” by Carly Simon, performed by Conspirare, featured on the album https://www.conspirare.org/product/a-company-of-voices-conspirare-in-concert/ (A Company of Voices) “https://music.apple.com/us/album/how-little-you-are-interlude-springtime/1530583549?i=1530583555 (Springtime),” from How Little You Are, by https://nicomuhly.com/ (Nico Muhly), performed by Conspirare, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, and the Texas Guitar Quintet, feaured on the album https://www.conspirare.org/product/the-singing-guitar/ (The Singing Guitar) “Hold On,” traditional spiritual, arranged by https://isaaccatesmusic.com/ (Isaac Cates), performed live by Ordained and Conspirare at https://youtu.be/rUhN8-udvso (Conspirare Christmas 2021) “https://music.apple.com/us/album/reincarnations-iii-the-coolin/555919643?i=555919715 (The Coolin),” from Reincarnations, by Samuel Barber, performed by Conspirare, featured on the album https://www.conspirare.org/product/samuel-barber-an-american-romantic/ (Samuel Barber, An American Romantic) Episode references Conspirare https://www.conspirare.org/ (Website) | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWBZyeDFzGGupDpo7P_LRpw (YouTube) | https://www.facebook.com/Conspirare/ (Facebook) | https://www.instagram.com/conspirareatx/ (Instagram) https://youtu.be/y_XE3_vD5LQ (Unity: Songs of Invitation) virtual choir project Theme Song: https://music.apple.com/us/album/mr-puffy/1457011536?i=1457011549 (Mr. Puffy) by Avi Bortnik, arr. by Paul Kim. Performed by http://www.dynamicjazz.dk/ (Dynamic)

Welcome to the Seraphic Saturday Podcast Companion. In this episode, Dr. James K. Bass leads us through the recent history of professional American choral ensembles with the help of Bass Eric Alatorre, and conductor Craig Hella Johnson. With Eric's decades-long tenure at Chanticleer, he takes us through the ensemble's beginnings to its award winning present, while Craig reminisces about Conspirare's impressive path forging the way for professional choral ensembles throughout the country.

Notes: Conversations with songwriters can be illuminating. Moira and I talk about wanting our voices to make a difference, and how to evaluate that, how Moira's voice has protected and shaped her, rest as part of the job of being a creator, and so much more. She shares a song that is in the process of becoming, and we get a very special glimpse of this creative process, which includes a calling sound that fascinates Moira right now. As you sing along, you'll be able to really tune in to what feels good to you this day -- is it the commitment and determination of "each day we make a little light"? The seeking melodic curve of "mmm...render...mmm...a remedy?" The wild, aching cry of the calling sounds? Or something else that you feel called to bring to the song? As you're singing in your own space, I wonder if there will be movement -- stepping or dancing or swaying? Songwriter Info: As a composer, Moira Smiley is known worldwide for choral arrangements like Bring Me Little Water, Silvy and originals, Stand in That River and How Can I Cry. Her music is sung by millions of singers worldwide. She's credited with helping to bring body percussion into the choral mainstream and is in demand as a commissioned composer, writing multi-movement pieces including Time In Our Voices and In The Desert With You for the Los Angeles Master Chorale, evening-length secular liturgy, The Song Among Us and Tis A Fearful Thing for Craig Hella Johnson's Conspirare and CVAE, Vonnegut Requiem: Light Perpetual for Voces Novae, Loud My Soul for Ad Astra Festival and I Have A Voice for ACDA Women's Choral Consortium. The European premiere of Time In Our Voices was performed by the voices and mobile phones of Ars Nova Copenhagen under the direction of Paul Hillier.   In 2018-2019 Moira released the album and choral songbook, Unzip The Horizon as companion to her ‘The Voice Is A Traveler' solo show. In 2021 she released the all-vocal social-justice centered album, In Our Voices with four powerful singers of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. She continues composing and improvising in collaboration with artists in film, video game production, theater and dance, and her work can be heard on feature film soundtracks, BBC & PBS television programs, NPR, and on more than 70 commercial albums.   “Moira Smiley is a marvel—an omnivorous singing and composing chameleon with a voice that can wail or caress at will!” -- Grant Gershon - artistic director, Los Angeles Master Chorale   “Moira Smiley is a brilliant musician – an innovative composer and arranger, and a heartbreakingly beautiful singer. Her music transcends (and expands) boundaries.” -- Billy Childs - multi-grammy-winning composer/pianist   “I'm so thankful I've had the privilege of performing and recording with Moira. She embodies the endless creative potential of the voice, and… (has made) a deeply moving body of work.” -- Merrill Garbus - Tune-Yards Links: www.moirasmiley.com for all info including sheet music, practice tracks! https://moirasmileysubscription.com/ to support Moira monthly for as little as $4/mo. https://www.instagram.com/moirasmiley/ for up-to-date personal and music pics https://www.youtube.com/c/MoiraSmileyMusic for official music videos, song and body percussion tutorials and live performances Lissa Schneckenburger -- the link goes to her interview on A Breath of Song, which includes her own site links and more Night Song - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Michael Brook. The link goes to the title song of the album. Here is the album on Apple Music. Shara Nova - "My Brightest Diamond" -- This link goes to a live performance and interview (go to about 2'40" to get close to the start). Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:03:12 Start time of reprise: 00:54:45 Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Minor, Dorian & Aeolian, harmonized layers Visit abreathofsong.com for lyrics, more of Patty's artwork, and a way to nominate songs or songwriters for the podcast. Join the A Breath of Song mailing list to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me. Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!

Notes: Okay, I procrastinated on recording this episode for the longest of any song yet... I respect Moira so much, and I desperately wanted to share her song in a beautiful way that convinced you to love it, too. I felt like I wasn't good enough, and I got a good run of the whole imposter syndrome going, yada, yada, yada. But you know what shifted? I remembered why this podcast exists -- to share songs that help me heal, adapt, and grow, so you can sing them, too. And this song is one that I've sung to myself over and over in the middle of troubling times to help me release and let go. When I sing this into myself, I can see more clearly which actions might be mine to make next. And when the world is in turmoil, this is what helps me navigate a way forward. None of us (myself included) need to have a stunning voice for a song to be a companion... and I'm grateful to Moira for this gift. Please notice, I haven't shared the entire song here, only an excerpt... check out the links below to hear the whole song, and buy the music on her website for yourself or to share with others. Next episode: a conversation with Moira Smiley herself, who turns out to be absolutely lovely and generous -- we talk creativity, how rest is part of the job, how her voice has protected her, and more... Songwriter Info: As a composer, Moira Smiley is known worldwide for choral arrangements like Bring Me Little Water, Silvy and originals, Stand in That River and How Can I Cry. Her music is sung by millions of singers worldwide. She's credited with helping to bring body percussion into the choral mainstream and is in demand as a commissioned composer, writing multi-movement pieces including Time In Our Voices and In The Desert With You for the Los Angeles Master Chorale, evening-length secular liturgy, The Song Among Us and Tis A Fearful Thing for Craig Hella Johnson's Conspirare and CVAE, Vonnegut Requiem: Light Perpetual for Voces Novae, Loud My Soul for Ad Astra Festival and I Have A Voice for ACDA Women's Choral Consortium. The European premiere of Time In Our Voices was performed by the voices and mobile phones of Ars Nova Copenhagen under the direction of Paul Hillier.   In 2018-2019 Moira released the album and choral songbook, Unzip The Horizon as companion to her ‘The Voice Is A Traveler' solo show. In 2021 she released the all-vocal social-justice centered album, In Our Voices with four powerful singers of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. She continues composing and improvising in collaboration with artists in film, video game production, theater and dance, and her work can be heard on feature film soundtracks, BBC & PBS television programs, NPR, and on more than 70 commercial albums.   “Moira Smiley is marvel—an omnivorous singing and composing chameleon with a voice that can wail or caress at will!” -- Grant Gershon - artistic director, Los Angeles Master Chorale   “Moira Smiley is a brilliant musician – an innovative composer and arranger, and a heartbreakingly beautiful singer. Her music transcends (and expands) boundaries.” -- Billy Childs - multi-grammy-winning composer/pianist   “I'm so thankful I've had the privilege of performing and recording with Moira. She embodies the endless creative potential of the voice, and… (has made) a deeply moving body of work.” -- Merrill Garbus - Tune-Yards Links: www.moirasmiley.com for all info including sheet music, practice tracks! https://moirasmileysubscription.com/ to support Moira monthly for as little as $4/mo. https://www.instagram.com/moirasmiley/ for up-to-date personal and music pics https://www.youtube.com/c/MoiraSmileyMusic for official music videos, song and body percussion tutorials and live performances A beautiful recording of a quartet singing the full Stand In That River, part of "The Mt. Tom Sessions". Moira's own recording of Stand In That River with VOCO. Visit abreathofsong.com for lyrics, more of Patty's artwork, and a way to nominate songs or songwriters for the podcast. Nuts & Bolts: ​3:4, Ionian, harmonized melody Join the A Breath of Song mailing list to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! This week, for example, I shared a video collected by the Polyphony Project of Ukrainian women singing a traditional song about a son who has gone to be a soldier, and I included a list of possible organizations to support the people harmed by war. No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me. Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!

Charlotte Master Chorale brings back Considering Matthew Shepard, a “fusion oratorio” that examines the notorious 1998 hate crime that triggered a new era of activism. Acclaimed choral conductor Craig Hella Johnson talks about the work.

The Austin, Texas-based choir, Conspirare, give voice to poets and writers from across the spectrum of nationality and gender in their latest recording, The Singing Guitar. Founder and director, Craig Hella Johnson, commissioned new works from composers such as Reena Esmail, Nico Muhly, and Kile Smith that highlight the words of the Sufi poet Hafiz, pioneer and indigenous women in the 1880s; and of the Bengali poet, Rabindranath Tagore. Giving “The Singing Guitar” an added literal and figurative quality are no fewer than three guitar quartets: the Los Angeles, Texas and Austin quartets are heard most fully in How Little You Are, by Nico Muhly. Cellist Douglas Harvey joins Conspirare for The Dawn's Early Light, and Craig Hella Johnson's The Song that I Came to Sing. Listen to John Pitman's conversation with Johnson to learn more.

Grammy award-winning musician, and one of America's most renowned choral conductors. Greg hella Johnson is one of America's most renowned choral conductors, a Grammy award-winning musician with an uncanny ability to make many voices sound like one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conductor Craig Hella Johnson lets his imagination run wild with the Austin-based vocal ensemble Conspirare. He leads them and three different guitar quartets in their new album, The Singing Guitar.

This episode of Harmonious World features composer Craig Hella Johnson, who is also Artistic Director of Conspirare.Conspirare have a new album out, called The Singing Guitar. It details an unusual musical journey combining voices, guitars, cellos and women's stories.Many thanks to Craig and Conspirare for allowing me to feature clips from The Singing Guitar  alongside our conversation.To find out more about Conspirare, click here.Follow me on instagram.com/hilaryrwriterFollow me on facebook.com/HilaryRobertsonFreelanceWriterFollow me on twitter.com/hilaryrwriterSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HWpodcast)

We are talking with Craig Hella Johnson, Music Director of Cincinnati's Vocal Arts Ensemble. We also hear briefly from Stephanie Nash, Assistant Conductor of VAE. Craig and Stephanie chatted with us about the robust past and vibrant future of VAE. They both also talk about VAE's recording of 'Canticle' by Kile Smith.

Michael Shapiro in conversation with broadcaster and producer Elliott Forrest about his many productions such as Considering Matthew Shepard with Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare and original work called The Babbling Orchestra with Michael Shapiro. www.michaelshapiro.com www.elliottforrest.com

Taking a moment to consider and appreciate the world of music and the arts, to provide some peace. Craig Hella Johnson talks about the role of artists in this time, how art could change after this, and what we can learn from our current situation. Includes Craig singing "Will There Really Be a 'Morning'?"

Light of a Clear Blue Morning Dolly Parton (b. 1946) arr. Craig Hella Johnson (b. 1962) It's been a long dark night, and I've been waiting for the morning. It's been a long hard fight, but I see a brand-new day a-dawning. I've been looking for the sunshine ‘cause I ain't seen it in so long. Everything's gonna work out fine. Everything's gonna be alright, it's gonna be okay. I can see the light of a clear blue morning. I can see the light of a brand-new day. “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” was performed by mezzo-soprano Jennifer Crippen and the Houston Chamber Choir at their 2017-2018 season's “This American Voice.”

In this episode, we are flying to Montreal, QC to interview Andrew Hon from McGill University. Andrew and I are going to discuss about the relationship between choral music and social justice, based on the piece “Considering Matthew Shepard” by Craig Hella Johnson.

Irish choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan achieved worldwide success with Fabulous Beast, but a yearning for his cultural roots led him to found a new company: Teac Damsa.Also, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs recount a young man's life and horrific murder in Considering Matthew Shepard, and we discuss the resurgence of audio drama with America's most produced playwright Lauren Gunderson and Australian Lachlan Philpott.

Irish choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan achieved worldwide success with Fabulous Beast, but a yearning for his cultural roots led him to found a new company: Teac Damsa. Also, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs recount a young man's life and horrific murder in Considering Matthew Shepard, and we discuss the resurgence of audio drama with America's most produced playwright Lauren Gunderson and Australian Lachlan Philpott.

Acclaimed choral conductor Craig Hella Johnson is the composer of Considering Matthew Shepard , a “fusion oratorio” that examines the notorious 1998 hate crime that triggered a new era of activism. He talks about the work and its regional premiere by the Charlotte Master Chorale. Learn more about the Charlotte Master Chorale's performance of Considering Matthew Shepard

Craig Hella Johnson-Artistic Director of the Grammy Award Winning choral ensemble Conspirare, as well as Artist-in-Residence at TXST School of Music. Dr. Johnson talks with us about his Cantata Considering Matthew Shepard.

Craig Hella Johnson-Artistic Director of the Grammy Award Winning choral ensemble Conspirare, as well as Artist-in-Residence at TXST School of Music. Dr. Johnson talks with us about his Cantata Considering Matthew Shepard.

Considered “highly imaginative…with big ideas” (Baltimore Sun) and “stirring and uplifting” (Miami Herald), award-winning composer Jake Runestad (b. 1986) has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles and organizations such as Washington National Opera, the Netherlands Radio Choir, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Seraphic Fire, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson and the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, Spire Chamber Ensemble, and the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Dubbed a “choral rockstar” by American Public Media, Jake is one of the most frequently performed composers in the U.S.A. and travels extensively to work with ensembles as a clinician and resident composer. Jake Runestad holds a Master's degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. Prior to graduate school, he studied privately with acclaimed composer Libby Larsen. A native of Rockford, IL, Mr. Runestad currently lives in Minneapolis, MN and his music is published by Boosey & Hawkes and JR Music. Join The Portfolio Composer community and support the creation of the platform on Patreon. Just $1/month to enable the creation of more great content to help you build your career! In this episode Jake discusses the value of learning from other composers, as well as: Time management F.A.Q.s Websites Commissions Meditation Website: www.jakerunestad.com Recommended Listening: Dominick Argento, Walden Pond Recommended Reading: Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values Give The Portfolio Composer a review on iTunes! This post contains affiliate links.

Craig Johnson wrote a beautiful piece of music that commemorates a tragic event: the brutal beating of a young gay man. The piece asks listeners to consider Matt Shepard, the person who lived through the event, and to consider the life Shepard lived prior to the beating. In this episode, part 2 of our 2-part series on activism in classical music, Johnson talks about his Grammy-nominated choral work, “Considering Matthew Shepard.” He also talks about the strong and effective tool that classical music can be in bringing people together and in shedding light upon dark places. Music in this episode: Music from “Considering Matthew Shepard,” by Craig Hella Johnson By Johann Sebastian Bach B Minor Mass Prelude in C major from Book I of The Well-Tempered Clavier St. Matthew Passion Audio production by Todd “Hella” Hulslander with assistance from Dacia Clay and Mark DiClaudio. To learn more about Conspirare, go here. To learn more about the Laramie Project, go here.

Coming up this month on Epiphany Grammy Award winning musician Craig Hella Johnson takes us on a journey that began with the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard.  It asks the question, can love be found in the midst of the unthinkable? Look for it on February 15th.

Grammy-winning conductor/composer Craig Hella Johnson, founder and artistic director for the choral organization Conspirare, discusses his arresting new work, Considering Matthew Shepard.

Jeb Mueller, of the University of Houston, stops in to talk about the value of dreaming big, telling others your goals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and strategies to clear your mind and be your best self for rehearsal. This episode is sponsored by KI Concerts. Listen   Bio Jeb Mueller serves as Associate Director of Choral Studies at the University of Houston Moores School of Music where he conducts three choirs, prepares opera choruses, teaches choral music education courses, and maintains a graduate conducting studio. In addition to his academic duties, Mueller is an active clinician, adjudicator, and conference presenter with engagements throughout the United States. Mueller’s choirs have been described as “stellar,” “inspired,” and singing with “mature line and a beautiful, vibrant tone.” Under his direction, UH’s Concert Women’s Chorus performed at the 2016 American Choral Directors Association Southwest Division Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Mueller taught high school choral music in the Houston area for six years. His choirs consistently earned superior ratings at contests and were twice chosen the Overall Best Choir at state and national choral festivals. He was recognized with Taylor High School’s “You Make a Difference” award on two occasions, received recognition as an HEB Excellence in Education state semifinalist, and was selected as a Katy Independent School District Outstanding Teacher. Dr. Mueller holds degrees from The University of Miami, The University of Texas, and Texas Tech University. He has studied with Joshua Habermann, James Morrow, Kenneth Davis, Karen Kennedy, Donald Oglesby, and Suzanne Pence. His training also includes master classes and/or lessons with such choral luminaries as Joseph Flummerfelt, Craig Hella Johnson, Ragnar Bohlin, Robert Porco, Vance George, Patrick Dupré Quigley, and Weston Noble. Dr. Mueller also concertizes as a baritone, having sung with Santa Fe Desert Chorale II and Miami’s Musica Judaica. Mueller is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and The National Association for Music Education. Links Uhchoirs.org Jeb’s Facebook Jeb’s Twitter Support the show on

Jake Runestad stops by to tell some stories of his youth, including "Old Kmart", the origins of "Nyon Nyon" (and "Ner Ner"), and his viewpoint as a composer when it comes to sharing his art with the world. An entertaining listen, sponsored by KI Concerts. Oliver Scofield of KI drops in to announce a World Premiere commission by Jake as well! Support our sponsor for this episode: KI Concerts Listen Jake's Bio Jake Runestad is an award-winning and frequently-performed composer of “highly imaginative” (Baltimore Sun) and “stirring and uplifting” (Miami Herald) musical works. He has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles and organizations such as Washington National Opera, the Netherlands Radio Choir, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Seraphic Fire, Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare, and many more. 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 Johns Hopkins University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. Has has also studied extensively with acclaimed composer Libby Larsen. A native of Rockford, IL, Mr. Runestad is currently based in Minneapolis, MN and his music is published by JR Music. Find out more at: JakeRunestad.com Links Jake's Soundcloud #ikeptliving on Twitter

GRAMMY-award-winning conductor and professional listener Craig Hella Johnson joins me for an interview on presence, honesty, and realizing the music with your choir. Click here for a special offer from KI Concerts and to learn about singing in Sydney Australia with Craig Hella Johnson in July 2018!

Bobby Maddex interviews Craig Hella Johnson, the director of the Conspirare choir, and Vlad Morosan, the founder and president of Musica Russica who helped select the songs that Conspirare sing on their 2015 Grammy-award winning CD The Sacred Spirit of Russia.

Bobby Maddex interviews Craig Hella Johnson, the director of the Conspirare choir, and Vlad Morosan, the founder and president of Musica Russica who helped select the songs that Conspirare sing on their 2015 Grammy-award winning CD The Sacred Spirit of Russia.