Press Releases
KMFA to Broadcast Conspirare's Long Center Début
May 23, 2008 Austin, Texas – Classical 89.5 is happy to announce the LIVE broadcast of Conspirare’s performance of Verdi’s Requiem from the Long Center for Performing Arts on June 21, 2008. Brian Newhouse, host of American Public Media’s SymphonyCast, will host the LIVE broadcast from the atrium of the Long Center beginning at 7:30pm. KMFA’s Dianne Donovan will co-host.
The Requiem is often cited as Giuseppe Verdi’s greatest work. Due to the sweeping movements and score that consist of a large orchestra and chorus, the Requiem is the ideal premiere for Conspirare’s first performance at the newly opened Long Center. Feature vocalists are: soprano Kallen Esperian, mezzo-soprano Robynne Redmon, tenor Karl Dent and bass-baritone Christian Van Horn - under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson.
“Verdi’s Requiem, although a profoundly sacred work, is also one of the most dramatic pieces of music of all time,” says Conspirare Executive Director, Erich Vollmer. “Conspirare applauds South Texas Money Management for providing financial support, beyond underwriting the performance, to make it possible for the concert to be broadcast live on KMFA-FM, allowing the opportunity for many more hundreds of music lovers to enjoy the performance.”
KMFA’s General Manager, Jack Allen, comments, “This type of collaboration is wonderful. Even if you can’t make it to the Long Center, these kinds of live broadcasts give you a front-row seat at an exceptional event. Where and when we can, we endeavor to keep our radio and Internet audience connected to these unique Texas cultural experiences. KMFA takes you there!”
Tickets for the performance are available through the Conspirare box office at 512/476-5775 through June 18, and thereafter at the Long Center box office at 512/474-5664.
This will be KMFA’s second live broadcast of 2008. The broadcast begins at 7:30pm and is made possible by a generous grant from South Texas Money Management.
About Conspirare: In its fifteenth season, Conspirare is a dynamic ensemble of professional singers from around the country. Led by renowned conductor Craig Hella Johnson, Conspirare brings together outstanding vocal artistry and great music to inspire passion, sensitivity and playfulness. Conspirare combines the classics with contemporary works, taking the audience on a journey of innovative sound, colorful images and thought- provoking literature.
About Classical 89.5, KMFA: Classical 89.5 KMFA is a listener-supported, community radio station – incorporated in 1967 – relying on the majority of its funding from folks in Central Texas. A noncommercial, classical format station, KMFA features both local programming and nationally distributed programming from Public Radio International and American Public Media. Visit KMFA: www.kmfa.org
