NORO was organized in 1967 by pianist Lars Edegran, who became interested in playing ragtime music after finding a great number of orchestrated turn-of-the-century rags in the John Robichaux Collection at Tulane University's Archive of New Orleans Jazz. The idea was to follow the composer's intention, but add the New Orleans rhythm & swing that is lacking in many ragtime recordings. Violinist William Russell adds greatly to the orchestra's sound.