L ong-time resident Merle Franke (4102 Ave. D), first president of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association from

1974 to 1977, wants you to learn about Austin's renowned professional choir, Conspirare. Merle sings with the larger symphonic Conspirare group and his daughter, Gwen Flory, who also sings with the group, is the Managing Director of Conspirare.

    Most likely, the first question you are asking yourself is, "Conspih what?" Is it a strange sounding name? Yes! It means "to breathe together", apropos for what a choir does. Conspirare (kohn-spee-rah-reh) is one of the premier choirs in the nation, led by Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson, former director of choral activities at the University of Texas.

    This choir has "breathed together" in some of the country's most revered venues ­ Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Stanford's Memorial Chapel, Riverside Church in NY and Skywalker Ranch in CA, to name just a few. They have been invited to perform at the White House and have been seen in concert across the state of Texas.