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.
ROCO Turns 20 With New Faces, Spaces – Houston Press
ROCO turns 20 this year and will continue in its tradition of offering the most fun with chamber music for the 2024-25 season. Themed “ROCO 20,” the season is marked by new faces and exciting milestones.
ROCO celebrates its 20th season with world premieres and creative collaborations – EarRelevant
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.
People First: ROCO Celebrates 20 Years of Fostering a Culture of Connection – Arts and Culture Texas
SHERRY CHENG · HOUSTON MUSIC MAY 10, 2024 Source: People First: ROCO Celebrates 20 Years of Fostering a Culture of Connection Let’s do the numbers. Houston’s premiere chamber orchestra ROCO will have reached a staggering 150 world premieres by the end of its 20th season. The ensemble has performed in 70 venues in Houston alone, adding four…
ROCO Champions Classical (and New) Music In Houston By Making It Accessible and Exciting – PaperCity Houston
“Seeing life through the ROCO lens is a great place to be.” – Alecia Lawyer, ROCO founder, artistic director and principal oboist Source: River Oaks Chamber Orchestra Champions Classical (and New) Music In Houston By Making It Accessible and Exciting Alecia Lawyer’s Amazing Arts Story Is Worth Telling BY ADRIENNE JONES // 05.09.24 It’s not everywhere…
