Chicago-based composer Dan Visconti laughs at the idea that some might think that, because of his training and profession, he only listens to classical music. You know, when he’s not locked away in some ivory tower decked out in a white wig, quill pen scribbling away with frenzied genius.
This is the story of The Hates. And it’s a love story. | Houston Chronicle
The band’s most pronounced impression was made in Houston, but fans of ’70s punk reveled in the regional variety the form offered.
One such fan is Dan Visconti, a classical composer who recently composed “Legendary Love,” a piece of music inspired by Christian and The Hates that the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra will premiere later this month.
Shaping the Future: ROCO Connects Through Commissioning | Arts + Culture TX
The numbers are in: 76 world premieres (33 for the full chamber orchestra and 43 for its flexible chamber ensembles), 36 composers commissioned—these are astounding numbers from the Houston-based River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO), now in its perpetually forward-looking 13th season.
‘Peter and the Wolf’ Ventures into the Houston Zoo | Houstonia
“For a generation of a certain age, this is the first classical music piece any of them heard,” says Alecia Lawyer, the artistic director for the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) about Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. It’s a familiar and beloved symphonic fairy tale, often used to introduce children to the instruments in the orchestra.
Beers and Brass, yes, please | Houston Chronicle
Houston’s River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, called ROCO, is known for pushing the limits of the expected, bringing classical music into the mainstream by playing in unlikely spaces and collaborating with unlikely partners.
CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR PUNKS | Local Houston Magazine
Catch this one while you can, because chances are, a show like this doesn’t come around too often. On February 10 at The Church of St. John the Divine, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) premieres Legendary Love, taking its title from a groundbreaking, genre-crossing world-premiere commission by Dan Visconti, which honors local Houston punk rock legend Christian Kidd, lead singer of The Hates…the band that’s gone unsigned by a major label since 1978, but wildly popular nonetheless.
Exploring the Sound of Taste | Houston Chronicle
Composer Maxime Goulet had a delicious idea – to write a musical suite about chocolate, seguing the sounds through signatures that correspond with various types of chocolate.
Then he had an even better idea – to let audiences eat those chocolates while listening to the music.
Houston Music Highlight – Anthem of Hope: Houston Strong | Houston Public Media
In the days immediately following Harvey and its devastating floods, Houston chamber orchestra, ROCO, commissioned two works to help celebrate the resilient spirit of the city and to help people heal.
Concert Celebrates the Courageous | Houston Chronicle
Maintaining perseverance through trying times is a unifying theme in River Oaks Chamber Orchestra’s Saturday program “Courageous Catalysts,” which blend a selection of music that channels the fight to end racism and the determination of Texans to survive Hurricane Harvey.
Meet Alecia Lawyer of River Oaks Chamber Orchestra | VoyageHouston
Today we’d like to introduce you to Alecia Lawyer. Alecia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far. When I founded ROCO (River Oaks Chamber Orchestra) in 2005, I was fortunate to be able to build something from the ground up. I…
Houston’s Arts Scene Has Astros Fever | Houston Public Media
Since the start of the World Series, a couple of local arts groups have been engaging in friendly feuds with their LA counterparts. Before Game 1 of the World Series, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra posted a video of their Principal Horn Player, Michael Thornton, wearing a Dodgers cap while performing “Take Me out to…
Houston and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestras Engage in a Musical World Series Rivalry | CultureMap Houston
You know that World Series has galvanized all aspects of the city when it’s even extended to chamber music as orchestras from Houston and Los Angeles have entered into a friendly rivalry over the Astros-Dodgers face-off.
