Best classical music - part 2

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

101 Romantic Piano

Schubert: 4 Impromptus, D. 899 (Op. 90): No. 4 in A-Flat Major. Allegretto

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.

Stravinsky, Concerto in E-flat Major "Dumbarton Oaks", II. Allegretto

Stravinsky, Concerto in E-flat Major "Dumbarton Oaks", III. Con moto

Stravinsky: Chamber Concerto in E Flat, "Dumbarton Oaks": I - Tempo Giusto

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

Stravinsky, Concerto in E-flat Major "Dumbarton Oaks", II. Allegretto

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