Sponsored by the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation

ROCO’s In Concert series opened on September 23 and 24 with “Family” at Miller Outdoor Theatre and The Church of St. John the Divine!

Artistic Partner Mei-Ann Chen led the orchestra in a program inspired by community, family, and hope, honoring Houston’s cultural diversity. Juan Pablo Contreras‘ Mariachitlán takes you to the colorful streets of the composer’s birthplace in Jalisco, Mexico, and the traditional Vietnamese folk song Bèo dạt mây trôi, tells the story of longing to be reunited with missing loved ones. Grammy-nominated guitarist Mak Grgic featured as soloist in the world premiere of Borders, a ROCO-commissioned guitar concerto by Michael Abels (composer for the films NOPE, GET OUT, and US), echoing themes of strife and healing. Ludwig van Beethoven‘s dramatic Symphony No. 5, nicknamed the “Fate Symphony,” wrapped up the evening, reminding us that our fate can be in our own hands, encouraging us to write our own stories.

PROGRAM:

Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Mak Grgic, guitar

Anthony DiLorenzo: Anthem of Hope

Juan Pablo Contreras: Mariachitlán

Ngo Hoang Quan: Bèo dạt mây trôi

Michael Abels: Borders
I. Austere, melancholy
II. Lively
ROCO Co-Commission World Premiere

Ludwig Van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5
I. Allegro con brio
II. Andante con moto
III. Scherzo: Allegro
(Attaca) IV. Allegro – Presto

VIEW DIGITAL PROGRAM