The Conroe Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to kick off the new season with music that will have everyone tapping their toes — and maybe even dancing in the aisles. The concert, Shall We Dance?, takes place September 27 at 4:00 p.m. at First Methodist Conroe, and is generously sponsored by the Apricity Foundation.
Under the direction of Gary Liebst, the program features a colorful mix of dance-inspired works spanning ballet, opera, tango, Broadway, Hollywood, and disco. Highlights include Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballets: Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, the tango classic El Choclo by Ángel Villoldo, and an audience-pleasing medley of hits from The Bee Gees’ Saturday Night Fever.
“There are so many beautiful pieces of music written that have helped to accompany and enhance dancing,” Liebst said when talking about coming up with the theme. “Whether that be music for ballets, operas, or popular period dances such as the waltz, there seemed to be so much to choose from. Then there is the dance music of Broadway and Hollywood that is so unforgettable, so this became a fun theme to put together.”
As Liebst crafted the program, he found inspiration in both familiar classics and new discoveries. “I started with no preconceived ideas of what my choices would be, and it was fun to discover that I have certain preferences,” he said. “I found out I like Russian composers for ballet and Argentinian composers for tangos!”
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For the audience, the concert promises both nostalgia and excitement. “If there are any experienced dancers in the audience, I hope they enjoy hearing some of the music they may have performed to,” Liebst said. “For those like me who are not trained to dance, it doesn’t mean we can’t feel the desire to get up and feel the beat! I think everyone will enjoy the music. I suppose that for many audience members, there may be moments of wanting to do a Plié, Jeté or just ‘bust a move’ when they hear their favorite dance music. I’ve had a hard time not dancing all over the podium in rehearsals!”
The program refl ects Liebst’s commitment to presenting a diverse mix of music. “We have classic ballet melodies, amazing opera dances, passionate tangos, robust toasting songs, and funky disco music,” Liebst said. “It’s diffi cult to pick a favorite, but there’s something very special about the Blue Danube Waltz. On the other hand, I sometimes can’t sit still when listening to the original Trammps recording of Disco Inferno, which we will perform as part of the Saturday Night Fever Medley.”
The Conroe Symphony Orchestra invites both longtime patrons and new community members to experience the excitement of its dance-themed concert. “As a conductor, I always hope that a certain kind of music inspires someone to give us a try for the first time,” Liebst said. “At the same time, I think our regular audiences will love hearing familiar favorites in a fresh way. Whether it’s your first concert or your fiftieth, once you experience how fun these performances are, you’ll be hooked.”
Tickets are on sale now for Shall We Dance? at https://conroesymphony.org/ or by calling the box offi ce at 936-760-2144. The CSO is grateful for the sponsorship by the Apricity Foundation.
Source: Conroe Symphony Orchestra
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