Ragtime music will be heard again in Conroe at the “Afternoon of Ragtime” on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Conroe Symphony Centre, located at 1500 North Frazier in Conroe.
Ragtime — also spelled rag-time or rag time — is a musical style that enjoyed its peak popularity between 1895 and 1919. Its cardinal trait is its syncopated or “ragged” rhythm.
According to organizer Bill Thompson, this will be fourth in a “somewhat-annual” series of ragtime concerts, and is part of the Conroe Symphony’s Salon Series, which features soloists and smaller ensembles.
“This year’s event will see the return of favorite performers from across Texas, plus some first-time participants,” Thompson said.
Members of the San Antonio Ragtime Society, including Monty Suffern, Brooks Christensen, Jack Love, Steuart Dewar and Belinda Huber, will be traveling to Conroe to perform such ragtime works as “Pickles & Peppers,” “Black and White Rag,” “Silver Swan Rag,” and “Ragtime Oriole.”
Stephanie Harris, principal flutist for the orchestra, will lead the group Flute Rhapsody in “Quicksilver Rag” as well as Scott Joplin’s “The Ragtime Dance.” Harris will also be performing a flute solo arrangement of Joplin’s “Rose Leaf Rag” (1907), accompanied by Thompson.
Conroe piano teacher Alecia Russell will be participating in ragtime piano duets with Thompson and with her student Pam Youngblood. Russell’s student Brandon Mathieson will be performing Joplin’s ragtime classic “Maple Leaf Rag.” Others scheduled to perform include Abby Jo and Mandi Jo Jackson.
The “Afternoon of Ragtime” is a free event. Light refreshments will be served. The audience will get a preview of the Conroe Symphony’s upcoming 2023-2024 season, which will start in October and will be conducted by Music Director Gary Liebst. There will be an opportunity to purchase season tickets.
Link for this event on Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/Conroe-Ragtime-2023
Visit https://conroesymphony.org/ for more on the Conroe Symphony Orchestra.
