The Connections series continued via livestream in February, with an intimate concert featuring the music of Margaret Bonds—one of the most prolific Black composers of the 1900s—plus works by composers who influenced or were influenced by her, including Florence Price, Ned Rorem, and Robert Owens.

A rare, previously unknown recording of Margaret Bonds in performance was discovered in the Mastersons’ collection at Rienzi. Produced in collaboration with Rienzi, the concert featured and was curated by returning ROCO-favorite, Timothy Jones, bass-baritone, and Howard Watkins on piano. Recorded at Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, February 4, 2021.