ROCO launched its 2017-18 “In Concert” series with “To the Beat of a Different Drummer”. The program featured the world premiere of Five Views of an Unfamiliar Tune, a percussion concerto by pioneering computer-music composer, Paul Lansky. Written for ROCO’s principal percussionist, Matthew McClung, the work highlighted McClung’s technical skills and his gift for creating absorbing soundscapes.
Victor Yampolsky, one of ROCO’s favorite artistic partners, returned to conduct. He brought the rarely performed Symphony No. 2 by Kurt Weill, along with Paul Hindemith’s Cupid and Psyche, and Igor Stravinsky’s Dumbarton Oaks. The concert also featured Anthony DiLorenzo’s Anthem of Hope: Houston Strong, commissioned by ROCO to honor the strength, caring, and courage the Houston community showed the world, both during rescue efforts in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and now in the city’s recovery. Performed September 23, 2017, at The Church of St. John the Divine, Houston, TX
