Craig Hella Johnson, artistic director of the Victoria Bach Festival and artistic director and founder of Conspirare, was named Texas State Musician for 2013 by the Texas Legislature, the Texas Commission on the Arts announced Thursday.
The Victoria Bach Festival Board of Directors, musicians, and staff congratulate Craig on this much-deserved recognition!
The designation of Texas state musician was created by Senate Bill 1043 during the 77th Legislature. Texas state musicians are selected in recognition of years of excellence and dedicated commitment to the arts in Texas.
Fans of the Victoria Bach Festival know that Craig definitely fits the bill, having brought incredible music and artists to Victoria since he signed on as Artistic Director in 1992. Conspirare, the internationally-renown choral ensemble which he founded, is now celebrating twenty years of enchanting and inspiring audiences in Austin and around the world.
This recognition by the legislature puts Craig in company with past honorees including Billy F. Gibbons (of ZZ Top) (2012), Lyle Lovett (2011), Sara Hickman (2010), and Willie Nelson (2009). Learn more about Texas State Artists and see the full list of honorees at the Texas Commission on the Arts’ website.