By Robert Faires   AUSTIN, TX — That chorus of hallelujahs you heard last week? Just Conspirare reacting to the news that it was receiving $1 million from the Kodosky Foundation. It’s still rare for an Austin arts organization to score a seven-figure boon like that, and still rarer for one not to come attached to […]

By Derek James   NORWICH, UK — As Keswick Hall Choir sing the mighty choruses of Handel’s Israel in Egypt at St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich next Saturday night, John Aplin will be making his farewell as their conductor after a reign of 30 years. It is a hugely dramatic work with 22 choruses. It tells the […]

By Juliana Goodwin   MARSHFIELD, MO — As Beth Burch bows into the music and then arches up with raised arms, she wears a shirt that reads “Crazy music lady.” Her students say that’s accurate, but crazy in a good way, an “awesome” way. “She’s so into music it’s hard not to get into it yourself,” […]

By Gina Adams   Tucked away on the outskirts of nowhere in a canyon in northwest New Mexico is the Christ of the Desert monastery, home to an American order of Benedictine monks.  The solar-powered facility is surrounded by miles of government-protected wilderness, thus assuring and promoting solitude and quiet for the religious life experienced […]

By Brandee A. Thomas   GAINESVILLE, GA — After spending the last 47 years as a director of music at First United Methodist churches across the South, Sam Marley knows that you can’t please all of the people all of the time. And he doesn’t try. “My challenge to them is to bring the best we […]

By Clarice Gilchrist   CARMAN, MB — Sonatrice Singers have enjoyed 40 years of meeting each Monday during the months from September to May. Certainly the music – singing, practising, and performing under excellent leadership – is the reason to meet each week. However, the social bonding is the second major influence for the group’s success […]