For ROCO’s 11th season opening program, the musical powers that be chose composer and bassist Rick Robinson for the orchestra’s 44th commission. The work, titled “Gitcha Groove On!” is a jazz-infused classical commission for the full orchestra plus trapset, the product of ROCO winning the New Music Box and ASCAP “Music Alive” Partnership award. Read…
Cut time: ROCO heads to the bars for toe-tapping tunes
If Mozart and Beethoven had lived to see the advent of the trap set, would their music be any different? We sure hope not, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun with the masters in venues that are otherwise designated for more informal gatherings — like the Continental Club in Midtown. A Mozart symphony with a…
Baton or no baton? Andrés Cárdenes explains plus other musings
Don’t know the gent who’s behind the baton for our “Gitcha Groove On!” performances on Sept. 26-27? Let’s fix that rather quickly, shall we? Yes, you can read all about Andrés Cárdenes‘ musical adventures on his website. You’ll realize he’s quite the accomplished musician, leading notable ensembles such as the Munich Radio Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, Detroit…
Google honors ROCO with social impact donation
Through a partnership with the C. T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, ROCO will receive a $5,000 donation from Google thanks to a coterie of enterprising students who were awarded third-place in the Google Online Marketing Challenge 2015. Graduate students R. Jason Griffin, Aigul Aubakirova, Neil Gustafson and Matt Avery competed in Google’s AdWords…
Board member recognized for contributions to arts and culture
It’s no surprise that the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra’s enterprising nature would attract the same qualities in its dedicated volunteers, some of whom are involved in many philanthropic projects in the city of Houston. Such is board member Susan Osterberg, who gives of herself at every turn. Susan’s passion was recently recognized by The Greater…
Summer Adventures: Danielle Kuhlmann
By Danielle Kuhlmann Principal Horn Every year I expect a bit of a break in the summer. Maybe it’s a holdover from my school years. In any case, I think it’s time to face the music (pun intended) because there’s no such thing as a summer vacation for a musician! I ended my first season…
Classical 91.7 loves ROCO and we’re blushing
They like us. They really, really like us. Without getting all Sally Field on you, it’s nice to know that all our efforts to present engaging concerts that feature thoughtful music get noticed — and how. Not that we need celeb status to feel secure about our performance. It’s just that it’s reassuring to know…
Summer Adventures: Kristin Wolfe Jensen
By Kristin Wolfe Jensen ROCO Principal Bassoon This summer, I am enjoying a chance to catch up on family time while planning ahead for the next school year at the University of Texas at Austin and bassoon reed making. Life as a music professor and performer during the school year does not fit neatly into a…
Summer Adventures: Suzanne LeFevre
By Suzanne LeFevre ROCO Associate Artistic Director & Violist I feel like the luckiest person in the world. For three months, I pack my husband, my dog and 50 bags of clothing plus shoes into my Chevy Equinox and hit the road in search for music and food adventures. Because the two — tunes and…
ROCOrooters
ROCOrooters is our popular music education/childcare program for kids between 2 months (after their first set of shots) and 10 years. The program runs during and after concerts at The Church of St. John the Divine. Kids enjoy fun music and concert etiquette instruction, a trip into the concert hall (for ages 5-10), and an…
ROCO Begins Second Decade With “Side By Side”
11th Season Celebrates Partnerships Media Contact: Eric Skelly, 713-665-2700, [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2015 HOUSTON ― ROCO (River Oaks Chamber Orchestra) launches its second decade with the 2015-2016 season, its 11th, titled “Side By Side.” Eleven new world premiere commissions bring ROCO’s world premiere total to 54 by the end of this season,…
The ROCO Story
The ROCO Story Known as “the most fun you can have with serious music”, ROCO was founded in 2005 by oboist and Juilliard graduate, Alecia Lawyer. After multiple experiences in other start up musical organizations, she saw the need for a sustainable model that would focus on authentic connections between musicians and audience. Drawing on…
