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.

Featured was the signature ROCO commission "Anthem of Hope" by Emmy Award-winning composer Anthony DiLorenzo, commissioned in response to the resilience shown by the city of Houston following Hurricane Harvey's devastation. Composed in just a few days, this work received its premiere less than a month after the storm, at ROCO's opening concert of the 2017-2018 season.

In ROCO's spirit of collaboration, this work was made free to perform, with numerous performances by other area organizations over the 2017-2018 season.