EarRelevant Staff | 10 SEP 2024
HOUSTON, Texas— Houston’s 40-piece professional chamber orchestra, ROCO, is set to launch its 20th season, a landmark year for the ensemble known for its innovative programming and community engagement. The 2024-2025 season will feature 11 world premiere commissions and co-commissions, with works from celebrated composers, including its composer-in-residence, Viet Cuong.
ROCO, also known as the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, was founded in 2005 by Juilliard-trained oboist Alecia Lawyer at The Church of St. John the Divine. Lawyer, a performer, recording artist, and radio host, envisioned a new orchestral model that fosters authentic connections between musicians and audiences. Her approach, described as “Wildcatting in the Arts,” has made ROCO known for its commitment to living and diverse composers, multigenerational audiences, and free access to classical music. The orchestra features a roster of all-star musicians and distinguished conductors worldwide, presenting a mix of original compositions and innovative takes on classical works.
The new season will also introduce a new artistic partner, conductor Delyana Lazarova, joining a roster that includes conductor Mei-Ann Chen and concertmaster Scott St. John. Lazarova, who will lead a side-by-side performance with the Houston Youth Symphony, expressed her excitement about the collaboration: “The ensemble’s innovative programming and close relationship with leading composers resonated with me instantly.”
Highlights include Cuong’s Constellations, a piece that combines visual and auditory elements to mirror celestial patterns, and Clarice Assad’s piano concerto, Total Eclipse, performed by Lara Downes. Assad will also present The Evolution of AI, a composition exploring the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.
ROCO’s 20th season will also feature rescored classics, such as Gustav Holst’s The Planets and Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, both reimagined for chamber orchestra.
ROCO’s performances will be held at several notable Houston venues, including the newly-renovated River Oaks Theater, the DeLUXE Theater, and the Menil Collection’s Richmond Hall. The orchestra will also continue its ROCO On The Go initiative, which offers free access to recorded performances via QR codes placed in public spaces, such as parks and hospitals. The program will expand beyond Texas this season, beginning in Utah.
Selected programs will include live commentary from ROCO principal percussionist Matthew McClung through the ensemble’s digital platform, enhancing the audience experience. ROCO’s first live streams of Season 20 will be on September 27 & 28 for its opening weekend, with live-streaming of selected performances to follow during the season (free access via roco.org, and the orchestra’s YouTube & Facebook channels).
Since its founding, ROCO has performed in more than 70 venues across Houston and streamed concerts to audiences worldwide. The ensemble’s innovative Pay What You Wish ticket pricing has contributed to its fiscal sustainability, with 95% of revenue generated from donations.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit roco.org. ■
ROCO 2024-25 Season Concerts:
- FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 · 7:30 PM
Miller Outdoor Theatre
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 · 5:00 PM
The Church of St. John the Divine
Mei-Ann Chen, conductor & ROCO Artistic Partner; Fred Child, master of ceremonies; Steven A. Newberry, organ (Sat.); James Templeton, animator; Casulana, guest artists; BEND Productions, video compilation (Fri.).
Mark BULLER: John the Revelator * (Saturday Only)
Viet CUONG: Constellations *
Gustav HOLST/arr: James Stephenson: The Planets **
John WINEGLASS: Cityscapes * (Friday Only) - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024 · 5:00 PM
The Church of St. John the Divine
JoAnn Falletta, conductor; Scott St. John, violin; Brian Lewis, violin.
Juan Pablo CONTREAS: Alma Monarca *
Jonathan LESHNOFF: No Grit No Pearl *
John NOVACEK: Four Rags for 2 Violins and Orchestra
Franz SCHUBERT/Andy Stein: Death and the Maiden Symphony - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2025 · 5:00 PM
The Church of St. John the Divine
Delyana Lazarova, conductor & ROCO Artistic Partner; Clarice Assad, performer; Lara Downes, piano; Houston Youth Symphony side-by-side.
Clarice ASSAD: Evolution of AI ***
Clarice ASSAD: Total Eclipse *
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 7
Emilie MAYER: Overture No. 2 in D Major - SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025 · 5:00 PM
Brockman Hall For Opera, Rice University
Alastair Willis, conductor; Jazz Houston, guest artists
Vincent GARDNER: Mancini Mashup *
Keane SOUTHARD: Lamentation for String Orchestra
Igor STRAVINSKY/ Marlijn Helder: Rite of Spring **
DAI Wei: Invisible Portals ***
* ROCO commissioned world premiere
** ROCO commissioned rescore world premiere
*** ROCO co-commission Texas premiere
EXTERNAL LINKS:
- ROCO: roco.org
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