Symphonic Choir Returns with Sold-Out Concert

Last month, the 93-member Conspirare Symphonic Choir, led by Craig Hella Johnson, performed "My Heart Be Brave" to a sold-out audience at Bass Concert Hall. The evening featured composer Howard Goodall's Eternal Light: A Requiem. The last time the auditioned choir of volunteer and professional singers performed was before the pandemic.

Past choir members were invited to come to a rehearsal to sing together and share memories. Bill Lasher, a longtime Symphonic Choir member, found himself choking up with emotion as he sang. In February 2019, after singing Brahm's Requiem, Lasher had trouble talking and soon realized he'd had a stroke. Doctors credit his singing and being left-handed, both of which require using both sides of the brain, for his quick recovery.

Brooke Beasley, alto, is new to the choir and was thrilled to reconnect with Susan Fernandez, soprano. Twenty years ago, Susan was Brooke's choir teacher at Bowie High School! "It is so special to sing with the woman who set me on my musical journey," Brooke says.

Learn about auditioning.

Celebrating Three Decades of Song

Last month's Hidden Music PearlEssence benefit concert event raised $288,483! Thank you to a dedicated committee of talented volunteers.

"Being a part of the Hidden Music Committee was truly an amazing experience," recalls Roslyn Breen. "The caliber of the committee members is top notch and it was so fun getting to know other Conspirare fans!"

Craig kicked off the evening on accordion followed by soprano Sonja DuTait Tengblad gathering the crowd with "O mio babbino caro." The Symphonic choir performed from the stage and then surrounded the audience singing such powerful songs as "The Pearl" by Emmylou Harris and "How We Love" by Beth Nielson Chapman.

Thank you to the Hidden Music committee: Marvin J. Brittman (chair), Roslyn Breen, Susanna Finnell, Robert Harlan, Celeste Cooke Hubert, Kevin Little, Patrick Lundquist, Linda Mountain, Dr. AnneMarie Olson, DDS, Bill O'Meara, Linda Hudson Parrish, Dr. Joni Wallace, DDS, and Carol Williams.

If you'd like to experience Craig's singing in an intimate setting, contact us about the September 19th dinner concert at the home of Gail and Jeff Kodosky.

Find Your Voice as a Conspirare Ambassador

Michelle Fisher has volunteered as a Conspirare Ambassador for 18 years, helping out at performances and in the office--everything from prepping the stage to filing sheet music in the music library. Fisher retired from her career as a teacher in 2020. "I connect with Conspirare's music because Craig is so innovative," she says. "I look forward to every performance. Many times when listening to Conspirare I get chills!"

Michelle used to not go to Big Sings, Conspirare's free community singing event, because she didn't sing. "The first time I went, I just mouthed the lyrics," she says. But nowadays she sings with confidence. "I'm not a good singer, but I have a lot of fun!"

Learn how you can become an Ambassador.