Country

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United States of America

Genre

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Band

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of ragtime music. The group was founded in 1985 by Rick Benjamin, a musician and musicologist who had a passion for the music of the early 20th century. Benjamin had been studying ragtime music for many years and had become an expert on the subject. He decided to form an ensemble that would perform this music in a way that was faithful to the original style and spirit of the music. The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra is made up of a group of highly skilled musicians who are dedicated to the performance of ragtime music. The group's main members include Rick Benjamin, who serves as the group's conductor and arranger, and a number of talented instrumentalists who play a variety of instruments, including piano, banjo, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, and saxophone. The group's performances are known for their energy, enthusiasm, and authenticity. The musicians play with a sense of joy and excitement that is infectious, and their performances are always well-received by audiences. The group's repertoire includes a wide range of ragtime music, from the classic tunes of Scott Joplin to the lesser-known works of other composers from the early 20th century. Over the years, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra has performed at a number of prestigious venues and events. The group has played at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York City, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. They have also performed at a number of music festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Ravinia Festival, and the Chautauqua Institution. In addition to their live performances, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra has also recorded a number of albums. Their first album, "Black Manhattan," was released in 1990 and featured music from the Harlem Renaissance. The group's other albums include "The Art of the Rag," "The Whistler and His Dog," and "The Music of Scott Joplin." The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra has received a number of awards and honors over the years. In 1999, the group was awarded the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. The group has also been recognized by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) for their contributions to the preservation of American music. In conclusion, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that is dedicated to the performance of ragtime music. The group was founded by Rick Benjamin in 1985 and is made up of a group of highly skilled musicians who are passionate about the music of the early 20th century. The group's performances are known for their energy, enthusiasm, and authenticity, and they have played at a number of prestigious venues and events over the years. The group has also recorded a number of albums and has received a number of awards and honors for their contributions to the preservation of American music.

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