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Inspirata Music
An auditioned ensemble dedicated to bringing choral excellence to sacred music.
Good tenors are worth their weight in gold but when you find one who's also an amazing composer you've hit a goldmine! We're so excited to welcome Alex Gonzales to Inspirata! Come meet him in person at our upcoming concert, "From Ethereal to Exultant."![]()
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In the meantime, here's a quick bio about Alex:![]()
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Alex Gonzales is a singer, educator, and composer passionate about uniting communities through music. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Midwestern State University and is known for his emotionally rich and accessible choral works. In 2022, he was honored as the Headline Composer for the MSU Red River Choral Festival.![]()
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Currently serving as Composer in Residence at University Park United Methodist Church and teaching music at Beaver Technology Center in Garland, TX, Alex inspires young musicians while continuing to contribute new works to the choral repertoire.![]()
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He is thrilled to be singing with Inspirata and looks forward to sharing this music with you.
Wonderful concerts coming up featuring incredible music in fabulous spaces! Hope you can join us for one (or more) of these concerts!
Help us reach 100%! We're currently at 68% of reaching our $3,000 goal! Will you be the one to put us over the top?![]()
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Please donate to our North Texas Giving Day campaign, here:![]()
www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/InspirataMusic![]()
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As an organization based in the DFW area, Inspirata strives to partner with local groups and musicians through various concerts, workshops and other projects that promote the appreciation and understanding of music that heals and inspires. This, in turn, enriches the community's cultural landscape and fosters a deeper sense of connection among its members.![]()
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Your donation today is an investment in sustaining and enriching the North Texas community and an endorsement for the rich choral tradition that we all love and cherish!
Good morning, North Texas! Today's the day...the day you show support for local organizations in your community!![]()
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We know there are so many groups that deserve your attention but we hope our mission of providing programming that brings communities together in their shared love of music that lifts the human spirit resonates with you.![]()
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No amount is too great or too small. You can donate using the following link: www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/InspirataMusic![]()
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For those who have already donated, a sincere THANK YOU for believing in our mission!
The need is great. The time is now. North Texas, it’s time for action. Your community needs your help now more than ever, and North Texas Giving Day is the easy way to do it!![]()
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We hope you'll consider supporting Inspirata during NTXGD! It is only through your generosity and support that we are able to provide programming that uplifts and inspires our communities here in North Texas! You can donate now using this link: www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/InspirataMusic![]()
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For those who have already donated, a sincere THANK YOU for believing in our mission!![]()
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As a bonus, your donation will automatically count towards your Circle of Supporters status with Inspirata and a donation of $200 or more gets you an invitation to a private event at the end of the season where you'll have the opportunity to visit with the singers!![]()
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So, please...donate now!
We’re thrilled to launch our Circle of Supporters—a brand-new way to join us in sustaining the beauty and power of choral music.![]()
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Whether you give monthly or as a one-time gift, your support places you in a community that believes in the power of music to inspire and transform lives. ![]()
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Four donor levels (Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond) make it easy to find your place in the Circle.![]()
Special perk: Founding members at Sapphire and above will be invited to an exclusive social and concert at the end of the season!![]()
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It takes just 2 minutes to join—and every gift makes a difference. ![]()
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Scan the QR code below or visit www.inspiratamusic.com/donate![]()
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Let’s make music that inspires the world, together.
Please join us in welcoming our newest alto to the the Inspirata family, Camille Skye!! Those of you who have sung with Camille are already familiar with her incredible musicianship and warm personality. We are so fortunate to have her join us for the 2025-26 season!![]()
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Camille Skye is delighted to join Inspirata and make music alongside its community of gifted musicians! Camille is a classically trained vocalist often praised for her expressiveness and versatility across a wide range of styles. She serves as a Music Coordinator at Highland Park United Methodist Church, where she leads worship weekly both as a soloist and in ensemble settings. In addition to her church work, Camille performs with groups such as Collins Classical Carolers and TriplePoint Music, and she frequently lends her voice to premieres, recordings, and showcases of works by contemporary composers. Most recently, she was featured as the soloist singing the role of Mary in the premiere of Debra Scroggins’ new orchestral setting of her choral work "Magnificat."![]()
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Camille’s singing first drew public acclaim when she won a local Abilene Idol contest, with the Abilene Reporter News describing her performance as “emotional and immaculate.” On stage, she has been heard as Mrs. Nordstrom in "A Little Night Music" at Theatre Frisco, where the “tight harmonies” of her quintet were praised by The Column as “swoon-worthy” and “truly lovely to listen to.” Other favorite roles she has performed include Tallulah in Pasatieri’s "The Hotel Casablanca", Sophie in McNally’s "Master Class", Lauretta in Puccini’s "Gianni Schicchi", and Belle in Menken’s "Beauty and the Beast."![]()
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A two-time graduate of Hardin-Simmons University with degrees in vocal performance, Camille continues to balance her love of music with her professional work as an IT executive assistant at Dallas Market Center. She makes her home in Carrollton with her husband of 15 years, Benjamin, and their Yorkshire terrier, Penny.
Something exciting is in the works!![]()
Last night, Inspirata gathered for a special recording project — we can’t reveal all the details just yet, but we couldn’t resist sharing a few behind-the-scenes moments.![]()
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Stay tuned…
We are excited to open up auditions for the 2025-26 season of Inspirata! If you're looking for an outstanding group of people to make extraordinary music, this might be the place for you! Hope you'll contact Mark Pope and schedule an audition!
“Mo Ghile Mear” (arr. Desmond Earley) performed live on May 23, 2025 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas during our “Refuge: Songs of Peace and Hope” concert. Featuring Hunter Birkhead, soloist, and Jarrett Goodchild on the bodhrán.![]()
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This powerful Irish lament, written in the 18th century by Seán Clárach Mac Domhnaill, gives voice to the goddess Éire mourning the exile of Bonnie Prince Charlie. One of Ireland’s most beloved songs, it blends sean-nós tradition with deep national longing.
We’re thrilled to welcome Belle Weathers as the newest member of Inspirata! Her talent and musicianship will be a valuable addition to the ensemble. We look forward to performing with Belle this season!![]()
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Get to know more about Belle by reading her bio below.![]()
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Belle Weathers, mezzo-soprano, is honored to join Inspirata this season! Belle holds degrees in Vocal Performance from Colorado Mesa University and the University of Northern Colorado, where she was named Outstanding Graduate Student. She later pursued advanced opera studies at the University of North Texas as a Graduate Artist Certificate student performing roles![]()
such as Elaine O’Neill (‘Later the Same Evening’) and Alisa (‘Lucia di Lammermoor’). At UNC, she was featured as Lady Billows (‘Albert Herring’), Agathe (‘Der Freischütz’), and starred in the monodrama ‘Before Breakfast’ in collaboration with Dr. Willem van Schalkwyk.![]()
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Belle’s performance career includes domestic and international credits: she portrayed Donna Elvira in ‘Don Giovanni’ with Operafestival di Roma, covered the same role with Opera Fort Collins, and performed an all-female twist as Octavia (Don Ottavio) with Denver Immersive Opera. Additional highlights include covering Cio-Cio-San (‘Madama Butterfly’) and appearing as Donna in ‘Mamma Mia!’ with Loveland Opera Theater.![]()
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Since transitioning from operatic work in 2021 to a career in event management, Belle continues to share her artistry through choral music, singing with the Chancel Choir at University Park United Methodist Church under the direction of Mark Pope.
We are delighted to announce that Mark Pope has been appointed Artistic Director of Inspirata, beginning with our 2025–2026 concert season!![]()
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Mark is a thoughtful and inspiring musical leader whose work blends artistic excellence with a strong sense of community. He brings a collaborative spirit and a deep love for choral music that reflects both tradition and innovation.![]()
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Join us in congratulating Mark as he steps in as the new Artistic Director!![]()
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👇 Learn more about him below:![]()
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Mark Pope is entering his fourteenth year as Music Director at University Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, where he is committed to fostering both musical excellence and a deep sense of community. He holds two Master of Music degrees from Southern Methodist University—one in Sacred Music from Perkins School of Theology and another in Choral Conducting—as well as an undergraduate degree in Music Composition.![]()
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Mark has conducted a wide range of choral-orchestral works, including ‘The Armed Man’ by Karl Jenkins, ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Requiems by Fauré, Mozart, and Duruflé—just a few of his personal favorites. A published composer and arranger, he is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the sacred music tradition through his own writing.![]()
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Collaboration with both professional and community musicians has been a hallmark of Mark’s career. He strives to draw out the best musicianship and deepest humanity in every ensemble he leads. He is a dedicated advocate for new music, supporting composers through commissions, premieres, and ongoing creative partnerships.![]()
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Mark has been married to his wife Libby for 20 years and is a proud father to their son, Reid. He finds joy in travel, family, and the shared experience of music. His greatest hope is that his work offers moments of beauty, reflection, and spiritual connection for all who listen and sing.
Here’s our live performance of Moses Hogan’s a cappella arrangement of “Abide With Me,” recorded on May 23, 2025 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church during our ‘Refuge: Songs of Peace and Hope’ concert. Hogan’s setting brings deep emotion and quiet strength to this timeless hymn. ![]()
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🎥🎧 Watch the video below.
Here is our performance of “Shalom” by Dan Forrest, recorded live on May 23, 2025 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church during our “Refuge: Songs of Peace and Hope” concert.![]()
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With a title that means “peace” in Hebrew, “Shalom” is both a blessing and a benediction—offering calm reassurance through rich harmonies, lyrical phrasing, and a sense of gentle closure. The music is deeply expressive, with the piano providing a foundation of warmth and movement, while the violin weaves in and out like a voice of consolation.![]()
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We were honored to be joined by two guest artists in this performance: Michelle Boone (violin), a junior at Bishop Lynch High School; and Ben Baldwin (piano), the organist for Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington and Ghanaian Community Presbyterian Church in Irving.![]()
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🎥 🎧 Watch the video below.
This is our rendition of “WAR” by Ivo Antognini, recorded live on May 18, 2025 at University Park United Methodist Church as part of our “Refuge: Songs of Peace and Hope” concert.![]()
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🎻 With guest violinist Michelle Boone, a junior at Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas.![]()
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Antognini’s setting of Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poetry captures the anguish and devastation of war through haunting harmonies and stark musical textures—yet in its raw honesty, the piece also calls us to remember why peace matters, and why hope must endure.![]()
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🎥 🎧 Watch the full performance below.
Here’s a selection from our “Refuge: Songs of Peace and Hope” concert — Frank Ticheli’s “Earth Song” recorded live on May 23, 2025 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. ![]()
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🎥 🎧 Watch the performance below.