In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Conspiracy of Beards

Male Semi-Pro A Cappella Ensemble

Based in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco's Conspiracy of Beards is a 30 member male choir started in 2003 that performs dynamic, original, a cappella arrangements of the poetic songs of Leonard Cohen.

Well dressed in suits, ties, and the occasional fedora, the choir brings an energized live choral music experience out of churches and tabernacles and into the taverns, art houses, and theaters of the Bay Area and beyond. Transforming Cohen's lyrics and simple melodies into complex 4- and 5-part harmonies, and with a wide variety of small ensemble and full choir pieces, Conspiracy of Beards achieves a sound that is both robust and tender. Drawing on influences ranging from jazz and gospel to barbershop and doo-wop, the unique arrangements that choir members create capture all of the emotion and humor of Leonard Cohen's original music and inspire audiences to ponder common human experiences like romance, heartbreak, politics, sex, longing, and spirituality.

Founded - 2003. A Cappella. Auditioned.

Audition Policy - Please contact us through our website. We look forward to singing with you!

Rehearsal Information - Monday evenings 7-9pm at the Kanbar Center in San Francisco.

KQED Arts

The country was still reeling from the presidential election on the evening of Nov. 10 when news broke that Leonard Cohen had died at the age of 82. For fans of the Canadian poet and singer, whose inimitable baritone, dark humor and honest lyricism provided comfort through so many dark times, it felt a little like getting punched when you were already down: how do you mourn a person you’ve counted on in the past to guide you through mourning?

The answer, of course, is with his music. Just ask Conspiracy of Beards, a 30-member choir of men who’ve been performing a capella Cohen songs around the Bay since 2003, from the Great American Music Hall and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass to SFMOMA.

Hallelujah

Conspiracy of Beards performing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" at a.Muse Gallery in San Francisco in 2012. There was a solar eclipse just before the show.

Contact Conspiracy of Beards