Houston’s 40-piece chamber orchestra, ROCO, continued its Season 21 with Fragrant Memories, led by conductor Mei-Ann Chen and featuring three world premieres, two contemporary works, and a Beethoven symphony constructed from sketches. Serving as guest concertmaster and soloist was Laura Frautschi. True to form, ROCO once again proved itself a premier ensemble in more ways than one.
ROCO’s Maverick Maestro Alecia Lawyer Is Texas Legislature Certified and a Classical Pioneer — Keeping the Music Innovative – PaperCity
Alecia Lawyer doesn’t just play the oboe. She plays with expectations. The Houston-based musician and founder of River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) has built an orchestra known as much for its daring spirit as its musical excellence. Now, she’s leading ROCO into its 21st season with a new honor that underscores her impact on Texas’s cultural landscape.
ROCO’s ‘Feels Like Home’ showcases premieres and Emilie Mayer’s rediscovered Symphony No. 4 – EarRelevant
ROCO’s ‘Feels Like Home’ featured four world premieres, a Texas premiere, and Emilie Mayer’s rediscovered Symphony No. 4, led by Delyana Lazarova. Source: ROCO’s ‘Feels Like Home’ showcases premieres and Emilie Mayer’s rediscovered Symphony No. 4 | EarRelevant ROCO, a 40-piece chamber orchestra in Houston, continued its Season 21 with four ROCO-commissioned world premieres and…
Houston’s Party Of The Future — ROCO Turns Artechouse Into an AI and Light Wonderland – PaperCity
Houston’s ROCO is always creative when searching out a location for its annual gala that follows the professional chamber orchestra’s season-opening concert. But perhaps none was more awe-inspiring than the visually resplendent evening at Artechouse, a pioneering venue for digital and experiential art.
This Houstonian you might not know is now one of Texas’ official state musicians – Houston Chronicle
The Texas Commission on the Arts recently announced the Texas State Legislature’s 2025 appointment to the position of State Musician-Classical, which was awarded to one familiar face in Houston’s creative scene: Alecia Lawyer. She is the founder, artistic director and principal oboist of ROCO, a professional music ensemble that has been a trailblazer and arts disrupter who is leading in the sector in innovation.
That ROCO Feeling: A Season of the Senses – Arts and Culture Texas
A ROCO concert can hit all the senses at once…the production value of each concert is extremely high and the attention to every detail sets ROCO apart.
ROCO Makes Some Noise with Instrument Petting Zoo – Houston Press
Ever wondered what it’s like to buzz into a trombone mouthpiece, draw a bow across cello strings, play an oboe, or bang on a snare drum? ROCO flips the script on March 6 for a night that puts instruments in the audience’s hands for a change. Themed “Make Some Noise,” the gathering will take place at Padre’s Wine Bar.
Delyana Lazarova and ROCO deliver courageous premieres and a Beethoven ‘Seventh’ of rare brilliance – EarRelevant
Delayana Lazarova conductor (credit: Marco Borggreve) Source: Delyana Lazarova and ROCO deliver courageous premieres and a Beethoven ‘Seventh’ of rare brilliance | EarRelevant HOUSTON CONCERT REVIEW: ROCO February 8, 2025 “Courageous” The Church of St. John the Divine Houston, Texas – USA ROCO. Delyana Lazarova, conductor; Clarice Assad, performer; Lara Downes, piano soloist; Houston Youth…
ROCO celebrates 20 years of making music in Houston – Houston Public Media
The local chamber orchestra ROCO has long been a staple of Houston’s performing arts scene. With a journey beginning in 2005 at the Church of St. John the Divine, the group has been nothing but a success for founder and oboist Alecia Lawyer.
Meet ROCO, the orchestra that might be Houston’s most risk-taking arts group – Houston Chronicle
ROCO performing at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Animation by James Templeton. Credit: Rolando Ramon Celebrating its 20th anniversary, ROCO continues its clever use of tech, programming that ranges from Beethoven to Ellington, and an emphasis on the music of women and composers of color. By Chris Vognar, Correspondent Feb 7, 2025 Alecia Lawyer is having a…
Violinist Nicole Cherry Honors Black Composers at ROCO Concert – Forward Times
Photography by Rolando Ramon Source: Violinist Nicole Cherry Honors Black Composers at River Oaks Chamber Orchestra Concert Terrance Turner, Staff Writer ROCO Concertmaster Scott St. John and Dr. Nicole Cherry The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) brings together musicians from all over the United States and Canada, working to ensure that classical music remains a…
Out of this world: Houston’s ROCO launches season with world premieres and “The Planets” – EarRelevant
The 40-piece chamber orchestra ROCO (formerly the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra), began its 20th season with three world premieres,* including “a new twist on an out-of-this-world classic.” Titled “Remarkable” (after the first letter of ROCO), conductor Mei-Ann Chen led this concert at The Church of St. John the Divine in Houston on September 28th. The concert was hosted by guest emcee Fred Child of American Public Media’s Performance Today. PT has featured ROCO more than 300 times.
