Conspirare

Conspirare is a choral ensemble based in Austin, Texas. They were formed in 1991 by conductor and musical director Craig Hella Johnson as New Texas Festival but did not begin to regularly perform until 1999. They have released over 20 albums and one DVD and have been nominated for six Grammy Awards. Their sixth Grammy-nominated album, The Sacred Spirit of Russia (Harmonia mundi HMU 807526), was the winner of the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance.

History

Conspirare, originally New Texas Festival, was formed in 1991 as a week-long series of vocal performances every summer in Austin, Texas. They did not begin having a fuller schedule of concerts until 1999. They regularly play music festivals in the area including specials for Christmas and in celebration of the music of Bach. They have also played such renowned venues as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Their music was featured in the 2006 documentary The Mystery of Love.

Recordings

Through the Green Fuse

Their first release was 2004's Through the Green Fuse on Clarion Records. It was recorded in early August 2004 over two days at the Skywalker Ranch. Robert Faires of The Austin Chronicle described the album's qualities as "sensitivity to text, purity of vocal tone, and, of course, those long, lush harmonies, with voices melding seamlessly into sounds that are achingly lovely". Tracks include "Deep River" and "Sleep".