Craig Hella Johnson in Residence at Univ Wyoming

By David Knight

 

The word reverence perhaps best describes the way in which people talk about famed choral conductor, composer and singer, Craig Hella Johnson.

“He is this human being who is just bigger than life itself and he’s got this awareness of life, of people, of human beings just beyond what we can imagine.” Nicole Lamartine, director of choral activities at the University of Wyoming, said. “When he comes to do music, he dabbles in this thing called music and we partake of who he is.”

Johnson is the UW music department’s Eminent Artist in Residence for the spring semester. His residency started Jan. 30 and will end Feb. 3. During Johnson’s stay at UW, he will conduct clinics and help teach several UW choirs, including the Singing Statesmen and the Bel Canto Women’s Choir.