Combining the talents of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Theatre Calgary, and Arts Commons, Ragtime: A Concert Performance is set to be a collaboration of historic proportions. But for those of us as yet unfamiliar with theatre terms and lingo, what, exactly, is a 'concert performance?'
The best way to describe a concert performance is to think of your favourite musical theatre production –– perhaps Les Misérables is your jam, or maybe you're more of a Wicked fan. Either way, imagine it on stage without the distractions of set design or costumes, but with a live orchestra and top-tier singers. The result? One phenomenal musical experience.
"A score like Ragtime deserves to be heard in a beautiful acoustic space like the Jack Singer Concert Hall; it deserves to be heard playing through the voices of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra; it allows an opportunity for artists and signers from Calgary –– and perhaps Alberta and beyond –– to bring these lyrics and this story to life," remarks Theatre Calgary Artistic Director Stafford Arima. "So concert productions might not have all of the extra splashy elements, but you are experiencing the musical in its rawest, most naked form.”
“This is a very special production…it creates an intimate experience because you're there, literally, with a performer, an orchestra, and a story.” –– Stafford Arima
Stafford Arima was present for the first-ever workshop on Ragtime, which premiered in Toronto in 1996. His relationship with the play is long and beloved, in no small part due to the impact he sees the musical have on audiences, regardless of age, background, or belief.
"Most audiences enjoy sitting back in their seat with the energy of 'entertain me!' Whereas with a musical like Ragtime, you have to sit forward in your seat –– it engages you on that level. Not because it's a serious or depressing musical; it's a thought-provoking, life-affirming one that allows an audience to be engaged and to find truth in a way that makes you think."
Given that this isn't the first time Ragtime has hit the stage (and not the first time Stafford Arima has directed the production), what makes this a world premiere? Well, for that we need to talk about the Boston Pops.
Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler presents on the Esplanade. Fiedler tenured as the Pops conductor for almost 50 years (1930 – 1979).
Delighting audiences with orchestral renditions of everything from Harry Potter to Star Wars, the Boston Pops stems from the renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra. The idea of bringing popular music of yesterday and today to the masses originates back in 1885 when Civil War veteran Henry Lee Higginson wanted to provide the public with more accessible music, in addition to providing steady, year-round employment to musicians. These concerts were colloquially known as "Popular Concerts," eventually shortened to "Pops." The name was officially adopted in 1900.
Now, the Boston Pops have developed a brand new adaptation of Ragtime: A Concert Performance to be performed by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. With over 100 years of experience, this rendition turns an already celebrated score into an altogether new experience.
"I feel so honoured to have this opportunity to be able to collaborate with the Calgary Philharmonic and Arts Commons to bring this very special concert presentation of Ragtime to the Jack Singer," continues Stafford. "This score is going to blow the roof off the theatre."
The world premiere of Ragtime: A Concert Performance comes to Calgary on June 10 & 11, 2022. Visit our website to grab your tickets!