Conroe Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will kick off its new season with its fall concert, “With A Latin Flair” at 2:30 p.m. this Saturday at First Methodist Conroe.
The concert will create an irresistible need to dance as the orchestra plays the Latin beats and melodies.
“There is something about Latin American music that is almost irresistible,” Conductor Gary Liebst said. “The music has elements that seem to always create some sort of international craze whether it is related to the Argentine tango, the samba, the conga, or the Bossa Nova, we are always wanting to hear these great dance styles. The beat, the complicated rhythms and the instrumental colors are so alluring to us.”
The CSO will share the stage with Latin jazz singer Ermelinda Cuellar. “I am glad to announce that we will be sharing the stage with Latin jazz singer Ermelinda Cuellar who will give us her interpretation of this great music,” Liebst said.
Jazz and Latin music vocalist Ermelinda Cuellar is known to Houston audiences for her beautiful vocal quality and sophisticated rhythmic feel. Her self released album What a Difference a Day Made ranked as number eight on The Roots Music Report top Latin Jazz Album chart of the year 2022. Born to Peruvian parents in Texas, Cuellar has been recognized by music critics for her precise intonation, inventive improvisations, and passionate story-telling in both English and Spanish. She works with some of the finest Texan instrumentalists including Andre Hayward, Paul English, and Bob Henshen and in group formats ranging from duo to septet.
Cuellar’s 2022 septet album, What A Difference A Day Made, hit the top 3 spot on the Roots Music Report Latin Jazz Chart and received airplay from many JazzWeek-radio programs. Her material ranges from classic jazz standards, bossa nova favorites, Mexican/Latin/South American songs, originals, and even the occasional pop song.
Cuellar has headlined at Houston jazz venues, clubs, outdoor events, regional arts and music festivals. The Trinity Jazz Festival recognized Cuellar as an important woman in jazz by featuring her as one of their Jewels of Jazz, and has invited her to open for artists such as Helen Sung and Roseanna Vitro. Cuellar graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music in 1999. She
toured with the Houston Grand Opera’s outreach programs for a year before switching her focus to jazz. Her training and extensive bandstand experience allows her to effortlessly alternate between a powerhouse sound, impressive dexterity, playful fun, and a bewitchingly romantic delivery.
The concert will take place at First Methodist Church Conroe. The new venue for the CSO will offer plenty of parking space and stage room.
“I think our patrons will enjoy our new home at the First Methodist Church of Conroe,” Gary Liebst said.
“It is a beautiful facility and one of the few places in Conroe big enough to hold all 60 members of the symphony. The church is beautiful with plenty of parking. The staff at First Methodist Church has welcomed us with open arms and it is interesting to note that the church has a long history of
supporting the arts in Conroe and Montgomery County. We feel fortunate that they are willing to host us for the coming season.”
The Conroe Symphony Orchestra is under the direction of Gary Liebst. Liebst directed his first community group in 1992 and has never stopped. He has been conducting college and community orchestras, concert bands, and jazz ensembles for many years. He served as the Dean of Visual and Performing Arts at both Lone Star College-North Harris and Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas.
The CSO will perform With A Latin Flair Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Methodist Church Conroe. The Conroe Symphony Orchestra receives funding from the Texas Commission on the Arts.
Tickets are on sale now at https://conroesymphony.org/ or by calling the box office at 936-760-2144.
