ROCO announces its 2017–18 season, themed “Cultivate Curiosity,” with a lineup of concerts and collaborations that appeal to lifelong learners and anyone who loves to explore new and exciting worlds. “In our 13th season, ROCO celebrates all the ways that we embrace innovation and invites audiences to cultivate their own curiosities in musical conversation with…
Welcome Amy Gibbs as Managing Director!
ROCO announces the hire of Amy Gibbs as managing director. Gibbs comes to ROCO with a rich background in arts administration and organizational development. “With her high energy, laser focus and strategic outlook, Amy Gibbs is the perfect catalyst to continue to support our rapid growth,” said Alecia Lawyer, ROCO founder, artistic director and principal…
A big poodle face with hearts for eyes? Composer Alexander Miller reveals his favorite emoji and more
Do you have a favorite emoji? If you could design your own, what would it look like and represent? We ask composer and oboist Alexander Miller this and more ahead of “Double Trouble” on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1. Q: The idea of writing a piece inspired by emoji . . . we…
Home for the human soul: A concert of music that speaks to everyone
Ahead of “Roots, Reeds, & Rhapsody” at Asia Society Texas Center on March 23, ROCO clarinetist Maiko Saski shares her thoughts on the program. Q: How did you put this program together. What unifies all the pieces? Maiko Sasaki: My selection is based on “folk influences in classical music.” Throughout history, classical music composers have…
Music that Downton Abbey would love: Schubert tells a captivating story
Ahead of an Unchambered ROCO performance featuring Franz Schubert’s Octet on Sunday, March 5, 2017, we chat with principal clarinetist Nathan Williams about getting ready to perform this gorgeous, beautiful and meaningful work of chamber music. Q: What’s one thing that’s surprising about the Schubert Octet? Nathan Williams: The length of the work, which is…
Danceable grooves in an unlikely dance inspired by an unlikely image
Born in Venezuela but currently residing in the U.S., Ricardo Lorenz is recognized internationally for his fiery harmonic compositions. He has a diverse musical background having earned a Ph.D. degree in composition from the University of Chicago and a Master of Music degree from Indiana University. He has taught at both schools as well as…
To borrow or to steal other instrument’s music? ROCO musician says the latter
Allow yourself to be engulfed by the beautiful pairing of percussionist Matt McClung and violinist Maureen Nelson’s music. The ROCO performance “Stolen Moments,” taking place Feb. 12, showcases how wonderfully the two musicians and their instruments complement one another. McClung has quite the diverse musical background and has performed on numerous stages spanning the globe.…
British dance rhythms from a composer suitable for royalty
During ROCO concerts, listeners might encounter composers they’ve never heard of. Part of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra experience is to discover exceptional music that doesn’t get love in mainstream programs. A works by Welsh composer William Mathias will be featured in the upcoming ROCO Brass Quintet concerts on Jan. 27 at MATCH and Jan.…
Enriching the hospital environment: ROCO at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers
One of ROCO’s most valuable partnerships is with the Houston Zoo, the venue where we stage our yearly “Peter and the Wolf” with Interactive Theater. The performances also raise awareness about the zoo’s wolf conservation efforts. Shows at the Houston Zoo are set for Sunday, Jan. 15, at 2, 3 and 4 pm. This year, we’re…
Virtuosic music and artistic vulnerability: This and much more with Alecia Lawyer
Things you didn’t know about Alecia Lawyer: She lived in France and was a storytime docent at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Ahead of the Gallery Concerts at MFAH on Jan. 7-8, we chat with Alecia about pairing music by André Caplet, Émile Paladilhe and Stanislas Verroust with the art works currently on display as…
A cosmic experience with another ROCO world commission
ROCO’s concert “Space: The Final Playground” allows the audience to marvel at the wonder of space from a different perspective. Composer Michael Gilbertson explains the metaphors and techniques employed to create this cosmic experience. The concert takes place Nov. 18, at the Woodlands United Methodist Church and Nov. 19, at The Church of St. John…
It takes two to tango: Music with plenty of ROCO attitude
Aloysia Friedmann has graced ears around the world with her musical talent. Her career has included tours in Japan, Europe, South America and the U.S., performances with New York’s most prestigious musical ensembles and an onstage role on Broadway. On Nov. 13, Friedmann is bringing her talent as the featured artist for ROCO’s Tasting Menu event at…
