Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 15, 1962 in Crow Wing County, MN

 

Craig Hella Johnson is a renowned conductor, composer, and pianist in the world of classical music. He was born on January 30, 1962, in Minnesota, USA. Johnson grew up in a musical family, and his parents were both music educators. He started playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Johnson's passion for music continued to grow, and he pursued a career in music. Johnson attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. He then went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance. Johnson also studied conducting with Helmuth Rilling at the Oregon Bach Festival. Johnson's career as a conductor began in 1989 when he founded the vocal ensemble Conspirare in Austin, Texas. The group started as a small chamber choir but has since grown into a world-renowned ensemble that performs a wide range of choral music. Johnson's leadership and artistic vision have been instrumental in the success of Conspirare. One of the highlights of Johnson's career as a conductor was his collaboration with composer Robert Kyr on the oratorio "The Passion According to Four Evangelists." The piece was commissioned by Conspirare and premiered in 2008. The oratorio tells the story of the Passion of Christ through the perspectives of the four Gospel writers. The piece received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009. Johnson has also collaborated with other composers, including Jake Runestad, who wrote the piece "The Hope of Loving" for Conspirare. The piece premiered in 2017 and was inspired by the poetry of Rumi. The piece was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2018. In addition to his work with Conspirare, Johnson has also conducted other ensembles, including the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra. He has also been a guest conductor at festivals and workshops around the world. Johnson is also a prolific composer, and his works have been performed by ensembles around the world. His compositions include choral works, chamber music, and orchestral pieces. Some of his notable works include "Considering Matthew Shepard," a choral work that tells the story of the murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was killed in a hate crime in 1998. The piece premiered in 2016 and has been performed by ensembles around the world. Johnson has received numerous awards and honors for his work in music. In 2011, he was awarded the Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal by Chorus America. In 2015, he was inducted into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame. He has also received honorary doctorates from St. Olaf College and the University of Puget Sound. In addition to his work in music, Johnson is also an advocate for social justice and equality. He has used his music to raise awareness about issues such as LGBTQ rights, immigration, and racial justice. He has also been involved in community outreach programs that bring music to underserved communities. In conclusion, Craig Hella Johnson is a talented musician and conductor who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His leadership of Conspirare has brought the ensemble to new heights, and his compositions have been performed by ensembles around the world.

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