Ahead of Saturday’s ROCO Unchambered, we had a chance to chat with principal hornist Danielle Kuhlmann about her program, and the colorful threads of her musical story it unravels. Discover the family ties which inspired her career, and the tapestry of music that has shaped her life – in this ROCOInsider!
Of two worlds: a ROCOInsider Q&A with composer Kevin Lau
This Saturday, we’re so excited to welcome back a returning collaborator for ROCO’s 90th world premiere commission – composer Kevin Lau! In this edition of ROCOInsider, we chatted with Kevin to learn more about the out-of-this-world inspiration for his newest work, “Between the Earth and Forever,” and what it’s like writing for the exotic instrument it features, the Chinese erhu. It all started with an iconic image from space – read on to hear how it captured his imagination, sparking a musical fusion of east and west!
Saved by music: a ROCOInsider Q&A with composer Bruce Adolphe
The first in a triptych of works honoring women musicians of the Holocaust, Bruce Adolphe’s “I Too Bleed, and Hope for Beauty” explores the incredible story of Alma Rosé – credited with saving the lives of 48 women through her leadership of the women’s orchestra of Auschwitz. Discover how even in the most unimaginable circumstances, music has an enduring power to heal and to save.
Awakening at Marlboro: a ROCOInsider Q&A with concertmaster Scott St. John
Continuing ROCO’s Season 15 Unchambered series on Saturday, we next hand the reins over to concertmaster Scott St. John – for a program of “Morsels” revisiting his roots as a chamber musician, inspired by a very special summer in Vermont. In this ROCOInsider, discover the works for string quartet you’ll hear, and learn how his time at the Marlboro Music Festival spurred his course as a young musician, leading to a busy performing and teaching career!
Duo discoveries: a ROCOInsider Q&A with clarinetists Nathan Williams and Maiko Sasaki
Kicking off this season’s Unchambered series, Flair will feature an instrument familiar to many – the clarinet – but have you ever heard what it can really do? Learn from ROCO clarinetists Nathan Williams and Maiko Sasaki how they put together a program of duos which led them on an expedition of discovering new works, and revisiting old pieces they learned as young clarinetists, to narrate their stories of coming-of-age through music.
Seeing in different ways: a ROCOInsider Q&A with mezzo-soprano Laurie Rubin
What do colors sound like? Ahead of this weekend’s world premiere of Lisa Bielawa’s song cycle Centuries in the Hours, we had a chance to sit down with mezzo-soprano Laurie Rubin – who has been blind since birth – to explore how she sees the world, yielding a unique, and deeper way, of musical collaboration.
Get to know conductor Mei-Ann Chen – ROCO’s first Artistic Partner!
This weekend we are so thrilled to welcome back one of the most beloved guests to ROCO’s podium – conductor Mei-Ann Chen, now as ROCO’s first-ever Artistic Partner! Though audiences may know her from previous appearances, there are a few fun tidbits we discovered – such as the unexpected career she might have if she weren’t a musician. Read on to learn more about Mei-Ann!
Making visible, the invisible: a ROCOInsider Q&A with composer Lisa Bielawa
The first world premiere commission of ROCO’s 15th season “Coming Of Age,” takes audiences back in time for a poignant glimpse into the everyday lives of five American women, giving voice to their unique yet unknown experiences for the first time – in Lisa Bielawa’s Centuries in the Hours, written for mezzo-soprano Laurie Rubin.
New music, ancestral tradition: a ROCOInsider Q&A with composer Erberk Eryilmaz
Capping off ROCO’s 14th season of “Games People Play,” our final world premiere commission pays tribute to a game blending skill, strength, and artistic expression – the sport of traditional Turkish wrestling! We sat down with composer Erberk Eryılmaz to learn more about the inspiration for his new work, and his unique journey as a musician, taking him cross-continent from his native Turkey, all the way to Texas.
Connecting through creation: a ROCOInsider Q&A with muralist Jessica Padilla
Meet the artist of ROCO’s new interactive Mini Mural, Jessica Padilla, as we explore all that went into the process of making our musical vision come to life, and discover what she loves about being an artist and art teacher.
Catching the tune: a ROCOInsider Q&A with trumpeter George Chase
Curated by ROCO trumpeter George Chase, discover how the program of ROCO Unchambered: Chase Sequence came together, why it’s such a challenge for the musicians, and what George finds most rewarding about arranging for the quintet – in this edition of ROCOInsider!
On unexpected journeys: a ROCOInsider Q&A with composer Jim Stephenson
From orchestras, to bands, to choirs, plus soloists of almost every instrument – the music of composer Jim Stephenson has been performed by musicians of all ages, across America and the world. We are thrilled to welcome him to Houston for the world premiere of his newest work celebrating the fun hobby of model railroading – ROCOmotive!
