Counterpoint: Rhapsody in Blue ft. Conrad Tao & Caleb Teicher

Counterpoint: Rhapsody in Blue brings pianist and composer Conrad Tao together with tap dancer Caleb Teicher in a live performance that blends dance, piano recital, and theatrical presentation. Returning to The Clarice by popular demand, the collaboration examines the connections between percussion, movement, harmony, rhythm, and theatrical expression across different artistic traditions and eras.

The program draws on George Gershwin’s *Rhapsody in Blue*, the aria from J.S. Bach’s *Goldberg Variations*, the frenetic stride-piano style of Art Tatum, Arnold Schoenberg’s satirical take on the Viennese waltz, original music by Tao, and Teicher’s Bessie Award-winning tap-and-keys work *More Forever*. The project has also been featured on NPR Music’s *Tiny Desk Concert*.

When: Sunday, October 4, 2026

Showtime: 3:00 p.m.

Venue: Dekelboum Concert Hall, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Tickets: Regular admission is $45 plus a $5 booking fee. Student and youth admission is $15.

Seating: Reserved seating

Performers: Conrad Tao, piano and composition; Caleb Teicher, tap dance

Program: Works and inspirations include Gershwin’s *Rhapsody in Blue*, the aria from Bach’s *Goldberg Variations*, Art Tatum-inspired stride piano, Schoenberg’s Viennese-waltz parody, original works by Tao, and Teicher’s *More Forever*

Run time: Not specified

Ages: No age restriction listed

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible and size-inclusive seating, large-print programs, assisted-listening devices, adult and child sensory packs, and quiet spaces are available upon request. ASL interpretation, audio description, and captioning are available for select events or by request at least six weeks in advance.

Support: Support for Clarice Presents is provided by the Maryland State Arts Council.