As the Conroe Symphony Orchestra rehearses to perform their third concert of the season on Feb. 8, the Friends of the Symphony are planning their Feb. 22, Wine Tasting & Dinner FUNdraiser.
The concert-Great Expectations: Music of Gershwin, Bernstein & Copland – is a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m., on Feb. 8 at the First Methodist Conroe on 4308 W. Davis, celebrating some of our amazing American composers.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
Additionally, Friends of the Symphony are inviting everyone to the Symphony Center (1500 N. Frazier, Conroe, 77301) on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM for an evening of wine, music, and Italian cuisine to support our volunteer Conroe Symphony Orchestra’s future events. CSO’s guest harpist, Hannah Rother will entertaining the guests with “A Harmony of Wine and Music” accompanying a bubbly greeting and wine tastings by Chapelton Vinyards and a variety of wines provided by 6 Armsstrong Wines. Tickets can be purchased online and at the concert if purchased before February 10th, the cost is $100. per person. Then $125 per person after.
Sponsorships are also available (Diamond: $10,000 which includes 16 tickets, Platinum: $5,000 and 8 tickets, Gold: $2,500 and 4 tickets, Silver: $1,000 and 2 tickets and Bronze: $500 and 1 ticket.) These sponsorships also include a year of publicity at all CSO events, in the newsletter, on Facebook and online, and an exclusive intimate evening of entertainment with Broadway star Sal Viviano on February 24, 2025. He will be performing at the CSO’s February 26 concert -The Best of Broadway.
The mission of the Conroe Symphony Orchestra is to add to the cultural enrichment of the community, assuring a better quality of life for the area. Their vision is to be recognized as one of the outstanding community orchestras in the state of Texas! As a 501c3 non-profit organization, they rely heavily on the generous support of the community through individual and corporate donations, grants, and ticket sales. We invite the community to join us in this incredible journey to continue bringing exceptional musical experiences to the greater Montgomery Community at nominal prices, supporting our Youth Orchestra and sponsoring outreach programs.For more information, tickets or sponsorships, go to https://conroesymphony.org .
Tickets are on sale now for the Feb. 8 concert at at https://conroesymphony.org/ or by calling the box office at 936-760-2144.
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