Conrad Tao is the music and Caleb Teicher is the movement in Counterpoint, pictured here in performance at Meany Hall (Photo by Jim Coleman)
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
The Cliburn is known for traditional classical piano performances and artists. But for a broader audience, the organization has its Cliburn Sessions series that is geared for a more casual and cool vibe. This series presents classical artists who cross genres in bar and nightclub venues to support that atmosphere.
For its next show, the vibe is an unexpected partnership.
Counterpoint is a collaboration between pianist Conrad Tao (he/him) and dancer Caleb Teicher (they/them). The longtime friends crafted the show just before COVID and, post-pandemic, have been touring the show for the last five years.
Mixing classical piano pieces and tap dance numbers, the two headline the next Cliburn Sessions concert on Feb. 10 at Tannahill’s Music Hall and Tavern in Fort Worth.
(Photo by Mark Mann)
(Photo courtesy of KCS Marketing)
“We found that it was really joyful to do, and, once we got vaccinated and had opportunities to do it in front of people, it’s easy to put it out there,” Tao said.
As described by The Cliburn, “the duo explores the dichotomy of their different perspectives and artistic practices, expanding their individual expressive capacity through a collective experience.”
The lineup of music includes pieces by Bach, Gershwin and even a vignette from their own award-winning piece, “More Forever.”
The two have stayed true to Counterpoint’s foundation. But really, the evolution of the show has more to do with each artist than the setlist.
“We’ve done so many versions that it’s a very malleable thing. But I think I just feel more attuned to the intricacies of Conrad’s playing,” Teicher said. “We’ve gotten to do it many times in many venues with different audiences, so I feel like we’ve explored this so much, and it’s fun just to say how much more I hear in the music. And I’ve developed some depth.”
Tao finds when they revisit the show, it’s like a personal check-in for both of them. For him, as a pianist, the music can be returned to perpetually, but with their collaborative effort, he sees this as a moment to get back in sync with his musical partner and longtime friend.
“That’s one lovely thing about — how it’s a nice check-in for where we’re at, and we can articulate it. I think is part of what allows it to kind of feel like it’s continuing to evolve as a space,” he said.
The two clearly have a creative connection, but as queer artists, does Counterpoint have any undertones or queer coding?
“That’s a great question. I like expressing our queerness, and we’re just very accepting of each other,” the nonbinary dancer said. “We were already working together before I came out.
“I kind of love when someone asks about our queerness or queer theory, and, what’s funny is, I think if you see it, you see it. And if you don’t see, you don’t. But the show makes you feel something anyway.”
The two thirtysomethings have created a special piece as friends, and Tao sees Counterpoint as a pure reflection of that friendship, encompassing their growth and journeys
“I have seen Caleb on their gender journey and multiple stages of it, and I’ve been a gay cis man for most of that. And that’s an ongoing journey on my end, too. This really is a result of our friendship.”
For tickets, visit Cliburn.org.