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 lead 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, featuring a mariachi band, 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,” wraped up the evening, reminding us that our fate can be in our own hands, encouraging us to write our own stories.

Juan Pablo Contreras, Mariachitlán

ROCO’s annual conductorless concert featured works in which the orchestra is subdivided. Concertmaster and violin soloist Scott St. John lead the ensemble in the commissioned world premiere of Marcus Maroney’s Concerto for Orchestra (composed in the style of Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra, which divides the orchestra into pairs), as well as Haydn’s Symphony No. 6 (characterized by multiple duets within the larger piece). The program was completed by Vaughn Williams’ Lark Ascending, featuring Scott St. John, and Bartok’s Rumanian Folk Dances. Performed February 13, 2016, at The Church of St. John the Divine, Houston, TX.

Haydn, Symphony No. 6 in D major, "Le Matin", IV. Finale: Allegro

ROCO is a Houston-based professional chamber orchestra known for its wide repertoire and engaging performances. ROCO.org

Haydn, Symphony No. 6 in D major, "Le Matin", IV. Finale: Allegro

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