Experience an Evening of Iconic American Music with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra

The Conroe Symphony Orchestra invites you to “Great Expectations: A Tribute to Gershwin, Bernstein, and Copland,” a celebration of three iconic American composers who revolutionized classical music in the 20th century.

“Gershwin, Bernstein, and Copland were pioneers who dared to blend the rhythms of ragtime, the energy of jazz, and the spirit of American folk music into their compositions,” said Gary Liebst, Director of the CSO. “Their infusion of syncopated rhythms from ragtime, their willingness to use Anglo-American and Hispanic folk music, and incorporate popular song and elements of musical theater into their concert works has given us a sound that is uniquely ours and different from the traditional classical music of the European masters.”

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Highlights of the program include:

• Copland’s Rodeo and the emotionally charged Fanfare for the Common Man, a tribute to the resilience of the American spirit during World War II. “I really find relevance in Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and the idea of honoring the blood, sweat, and day-to-day stamina of the common laborer who served our country in World War II,” Liebst said. “That piece is emotional to me because of its meaning.”
• Selections from Bernstein’s West Side Story, a masterpiece of musical theater that blends Latin American influences with a timeless story of love and conflict. “In high school I performed in the pit orchestra for a performance of West Side Story,” Liebst shared. “I am not sure my ears at the time were developed enough to recognize the genius of all the music, but I knew there was something special within those measures. Over the years it has become my favorite musical and every time I hear it or see it as a production I am astounded by the excellence of the music and how everything in that show comes together. I think it is pure genius.”
• Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, Summertime, and a medley of beloved tunes from his songbook. Rhapsody in Blue will be celebrating its 101st anniversary. “Gershwin really set a new standard with Rhapsody in Blue,” he said. “It was so innovative yet so controversial that even today critics argue over its place in the classical music world and struggle with how to define it. Yet there is no doubt it is one of our greatest classical compositions. My goodness, every melody he put in that piece is amazing and there are so many of them. It feels like he had so many great ideas in one piece that he could have written several pieces with all that melodic material.”

Joining the orchestra on stage is vocal soloist Renee Rybolt. Rybolt has a multifaceted career as a soloist, ensemble member, conductor, and teacher. Ms. Rybolt has appeared as soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah, Dubois’ The Seven Last Words of Christ, Pärt’s Miserere, Lloyd Webber’s Requiem, and Poulenc’s Gloria. She has sung with Cantare Houston, Houston Chamber Choir, Harmonia Stellarum and is a current member and frequent soloist with Bach Society Houston. Renée’s love of choral music led her to the position of Director of Music at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Houston.

Rybolt will bring Gershwin’s music to life. Audiences can look forward to her captivating interpretation of Summertime from Porgy and Bess, as well as her performance in a medley of Gershwin favorites including I Got Rhythm, Fascinating Rhythm, and Someone to Watch Over Me.

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Audiences are encouraged to listen for the intricate interplay of themes in Copland’s works, the diverse musical tapestry of Bernstein’s West Side Story, and the groundbreaking innovation of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

“This concert is a journey through some of the most beloved and influential music in American history,” Liebst said. “From the open plains evoked by Copland to the vibrant energy of Bernstein and the jazzy soul of Gershwin, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Conroe Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to celebrate this longstanding tradition of American music as they perform Great Expectations on February 8, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Methodist Church Conroe. located at 4308 W Davis St. There will be activities for the kids as well.

The orchestra is funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts. The CSO is also thankful for a grant from the Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts. The CSO is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now at https://conroesymphony.org/ or by calling the box office at 936-760-2144.

Source: Conroe Symphony Orchestra