Rich@DallasVoice.com<\/a><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For its next show, the vibe is an unexpected partnership.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mixing classical piano pieces and tap dance numbers, the two headline the next Cliburn Sessions concert on Feb. 10 at Tannahill\u2019s Music Hall and Tavern in Fort Worth.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Caleb-Teicher.jpg\")
Caleb Teicher
(Photo by Mark Mann)<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Conrad-Tao.jpg\")
Conrad Tao
(Photo courtesy of KCS Marketing)<\/p>\n
\u201cWe found that it was really joyful to do, and, once we got vaccinated and had opportunities to do it in front of people, it\u2019s easy to put it out there,\u201d Tao said.<\/p>\n
As described by The Cliburn, \u201cthe duo explores the dichotomy of their different perspectives and artistic practices, expanding their individual expressive capacity through a collective experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
The lineup of music includes pieces by Bach, Gershwin and even a vignette from their own award-winning piece, \u201cMore Forever.\u201d<\/p>\n
The two have stayed true to Counterpoint\u2019s foundation. But really, the evolution of the show has more to do with each artist than the setlist.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve done so many versions that it\u2019s a very malleable thing. But I think I just feel more attuned to the intricacies of Conrad\u2019s playing,\u201d Teicher said. \u201cWe\u2019ve gotten to do it many times in many venues with different audiences, so I feel like we\u2019ve explored this so much, and it\u2019s fun just to say how much more I hear in the music. And I\u2019ve developed some depth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tao finds when they revisit the show, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s one lovely thing about \u2014 how it\u2019s a nice check-in for where we\u2019re at, and we can articulate it. I think is part of what allows it to kind of feel like it\u2019s continuing to evolve as a space,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The two clearly have a creative connection, but as queer artists, does Counterpoint have any undertones or queer coding?<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a great question. I like expressing our queerness, and we\u2019re just very accepting of each other,\u201d the nonbinary dancer said. \u201cWe were already working together before I came out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI kind of love when someone asks about our queerness or queer theory, and, what\u2019s funny is, I think if you see it, you see it. And if you don\u2019t see, you don\u2019t. But the show makes you feel something anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
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
\u201cI have seen Caleb on their gender journey and multiple stages of it, and I\u2019ve been a gay cis man for most of that. And that\u2019s an ongoing journey on my end, too. This really is a result of our friendship.\u201d <\/p>\n