From the vibrant cityscapes of Dallas and Fort Worth to the cultural heart of Midland and Amarillo, Texas is set to host a series of electrifying performances celebrating the timeless genius of Igor Stravinsky. With a lineup featuring world-renowned orchestras, talented youth musicians, and mesmerizing compositions like 'The Firebird Suite' and 'The Rite of Spring,' music enthusiasts are in for an unforgettable journey through the realms of classical music.

Experience the Magic of Stravinsky: A Symphony of Iconic Performances Across Texas

The ROCO Connections Series Concerts and orchestral events offer a symphony of unique experiences, from site-specific performances in Houston's iconic venues to an orchestral explosion of creativity led by standout musicians and composers. Each concert in the Connections Series is thoughtfully curated to complement its venue, blending harmoniously with the surroundings and the community. These events are not just concerts—they are immersive journeys into the heart of music, culture, and collaboration, highlighting top talents like Lara Downes and Alastair Willis, and featuring groundbreaking works by artists such as Clarice Assad and Dai Wei.

The Nomadic Symphony: ROCO's Connections Series and Orchestral Journeys

Nomadic in nature, the Connections Series continues site-specific collaborative chamber concerts programmed specially for its chosen venues, in partnership with various arts and community organizations.

Connections Series Concert 1

Houston Botanic Garden

The Unchambered Series features concerts curated by individual ROCO musicians, giving them carte blanche to bring their own unique passions into the creation of their programs.

Unchambered Series Concert 2

Dan Flavin Installation

Outspoken

The Church of St. John the Divine

Unchambered Series Concert 1

Horizon on Sunset

Over two decades, ROCO" class="css-u850">ROCO" class="css-u850">ROCO has redefined the concert experience, energizing audiences with captivating performances, groundbreaking commissions, and unparalleled access to classical music. This soon-to-be-sold-out event will honor Mimi Lloyd‘s passionate, long-standing support of ROCO and our arts community as a whole. Also being honored is Chris Shepherd as the Wildcatting in the Arts Awardee. This award is given annually to an individual with a trailblazing spirit who drives innovation within the arts and our creative community,

ROCO Revelry Gala 2024

Thompson Houston, by Hyatt

EPSG:4326

Remarkable

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Feast your senses! Savor a selection of mouthwatering wines, plus tasty bites by Chef Soren Pedersen, as we explore the commissions and composers of ROCO’s 20th season through enlightening pairings of musical and gastronomic flavors.

ROCO Resound: Savor

Chef Soren Pedersen

### Event Description: ROCO In Concert: Magnetic

**Date and Time:** Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM

**Location:** Denney Theatre, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, 790 Austin St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

**Sponsored by:** 
- Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation
- Carol Franc Buck Foundation
- Texas Commission on the Arts
- BMI

**Event Overview:**
Join us for an extraordinary musical experience at "ROCO In Concert: Magnetic," a showcase of collaboration and innovation led by ROCO Artistic Partner and conductor Mei-Ann Chen. This concert is part of the 2024 League of American Orchestras Conference in Houston and features a compelling program that highlights ROCO’s commitment to expanding the classical canon and supporting women composers.

**Program:**
- **Reena Esmail:** Teen Murti (Past ROCO World Premiere Commission)
- **Gabriela Lena Frank:** Elegia Andina
- **Jennifer Higdon:** Dance Card: V. Machina Rockus (Past ROCO World Premiere Commission)
- **Leanna Primiani:** Neither man nor money validate my worth (Past ROCO World Premiere Commission)
- **Heather Schmidt:** Solitaire (Past ROCO World Premiere Commission)
- **Errollyn Wallen:** Photography: I. Vivace
- **Plus:** The premiere of a work chosen from ROCO’s EarShot Readings, a program of the American Composers Orchestra, in partnership with the League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA.

**Special Highlights:**
- The concert will feature several of ROCO’s previously commissioned world premieres and passion project works.
- A new work by one of the finalists of ROCO and American Composers Orchestra’s EarShot Call for Scores by early career female composers will be premiered.
- The EarShot finalists’ works will be workshopped and recorded on June 5-6, 2024, in Houston, with selected participants collaborating with mentors who are established orchestra composers and industry leaders.

**Concert Length:** 1 hour

**Additional Information:**
For more details and to view the event location on Google Maps, please visit the ROCO website. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness the innovative spirit of ROCO and the exceptional talents of contemporary composers.

ROCO In Concert: Magnetic

Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts

### Event Description: ROCO In Concert: Luminescent

**Date and Time:** Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM  
**Location:** Brockman Hall for Opera, Houston, TX, USA  
**Sponsored by:** The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation

ROCO proudly presents "Luminescent," a captivating concert that promises to illuminate the senses with a vibrant display of orchestral color and creativity. Under the masterful baton of conductor JoAnn Falletta, the full 40-piece chamber orchestra will perform an exquisite program featuring three world premieres and a Texas premiere.

**Program Highlights:**

1. **Richard Danielpour's Symphony in Three Movements After the Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri**
   - *Movement Highlight:* Alle Soglie del Paradiso (At the Threshold of Paradise)
   - *Note:* This is the third and final movement of the symphony, offering a glimpse of paradise.

2. **Conni Ellisor's A Woman Without Apology**
   - *Description:* A bold and empowering piece, commissioned by a consortium and making its world premiere.

3. **Astor Piazzolla's Tangazo**
   - *Description:* An edgy and dynamic tango that will have the audience dancing in their seats.

4. **Richard Strauss's Ariadne auf Naxos Symphony-Suite**
   - *Description:* A chamber arrangement of Strauss's comic 1912 opera-within-an-opera, making its Texas premiere.

Join us for an evening of luminous music and unforgettable performances at Brockman Hall for Opera. This event is a celebration of new works and timeless classics, brought to life by the exceptional talent of ROCO's musicians and the visionary leadership of JoAnn Falletta.

**Location:**  
Brockman Hall for Opera  
Houston, TX, USA  
[View on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps)

Don't miss this extraordinary concert experience. Mark your calendars and be part of a night where music and light converge in perfect harmony.

ROCO In Concert: Luminescent

Rice University

### Event Description: ROCO Connections: Addio

**Date and Time:** Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 6:30 PM  
**Location:** Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - European Wing  
**Sponsored by:** Frost Bank

Join ROCO for an evening of musical innovation and heartfelt farewells with "ROCO Connections: Addio." This concert, set in the elegant European Wing of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, celebrates the evolution of the string quartet through the works of pioneering composers.

**Program Highlights:**

1. **Giuseppe Verdi: String Quartet in E minor**
   - II. Andantino
   - III. Prestissimo
   - IV. Scherzo fuga. Allegro assai mosso

2. **Maddalena Laura Lombardini Sirmen: String Quartet in E major, Op. 3, No. 6**
   - A remarkable piece by an 18th-century woman who significantly influenced the string quartet genre.

3. **Richard Danielpour: String Quartet No. 6 "Addio"**
   - This contemporary work uses the quartet as a metaphor for family, exploring themes of distance, time, and saying goodbye.

**Performing Artists:**
- **Scott St. John, violin**
- **Eva Burmeister, violin**
- **Sharon Wei, viola**
- **Alexis Pia Gerlach, cello**

Experience the beauty and emotional depth of these compositions, performed by a talented ensemble of musicians. This concert not only pays homage to the historical roots of the string quartet but also pushes the boundaries of the genre, making it a must-attend event for classical music enthusiasts.

**Venue Address:**
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston  
Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX, USA  
[View on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps)

Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness the convergence of tradition and innovation in the world of string quartets. Secure your tickets now and be part of an unforgettable musical journey.

ROCO Connections: Addio

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

ROCO Co-Principal Cellist Alexis Pia Gerlach leads her first Unchambered Series concert on March 2 at MATCH! This electric evening highlighting the textures of the cello will feature the Texas premiere of Kevin Puts‘ Arcana, originally written for and premiered by Alexis, along with works by Jessie Montgomery, Johannes Brahms, and J.S. Bach. This performance will also be livestreamed free on ROCO.org, Facebook, YouTube, and A440.live.

ROCO Unchambered: Alexis Gerlach, Cello

Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston

### Event Description: ROCO In Concert: Supersonic

**Date and Time:** Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 5:00 PM  
**Location:** The Church of St. John the Divine, River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA

**Event Overview:**
ROCO's full chamber orchestra, under the baton of conductor Delyana Lazarova, presents "Supersonic," a high-energy concert featuring a dynamic and diverse program. This event is sponsored by the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation and promises an evening of exhilarating music and exceptional performances.

**Program Highlights:**

1. **Elfrida Andrée’s Symphony No. 2 in A Minor**  
   - A colorful and lyrical piece with an exuberant opening theme.

2. **Richard Danielpour’s Voci dal Purgatorio**  
   - U.S. premiere of the second movement from his Symphony in Three Movements, inspired by Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy.

3. **Jessica Meyer’s Go Big or Go Home**  
   - A work celebrating self-realization and empowerment, featuring blues guitar phenom Clay Melton and his band.

4. **Franz Schubert’s Overture in the Italian Style, D. 591**  
   - Performed side-by-side with the Houston Youth Symphony, showcasing rich textures and emotional depth.

5. **Dobrinka Tabakova’s Fantasy Homage to Schubert**  
   - An alluring piece by the Bulgarian-British composer, known for her riveting and radiant sound world.

**Special Features:**

- **ROCOrooters Program:**  
  Enjoy a night out while your children (ages 2 months to 10 years) are cared for by certified and bonded childcare professionals. The program offers up to 6 hours of childcare during the concert for $45 per child. Free, downloadable materials with themed activities will also be available for families to enjoy together while watching the livestream.

- **Wellness Walk with Urban Paths:**  
  Join a special free Wellness Walk preceding the concert. Participants will meet at 3:00 PM at The Church of St. John the Divine for a 90-minute guided walk, concluding in time for the concert at 5:00 PM. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today.

**Note:** This concert is now at capacity, and tickets are no longer on sale.

**Location:**  
The Church of St. John the Divine  
River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA  
[View on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps)

**Conductor:** Delyana Lazarova  
**Featuring:** Clay Melton Band, Houston Youth Symphony

For more information and to stay updated on future events, visit ROCO's official website.

ROCO In Concert: Supersonic

HYS Side-by-Side with ROCO

### Event Description: ROCO Connections: Music-in-Medicine’s Concerts in the Park

**Event Title:** ROCO Connections: Music-in-Medicine’s Concerts in the Park

**Date and Time:** Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM

**Location:** MD Anderson Cancer Center, Park Atrium, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA

**Parking:** Valet parking available

**Event Overview:**
Join us for a special Valentine’s Day concert as part of the inaugural Music-in-Medicine’s Concerts in the Park at MD Anderson Cancer Center. This unique event is curated by Dr. Mei Rui, a concert pianist, faculty member in the Department of Neurosurgery, and Director of the Music-in-Medicine Initiative at MD Anderson. The concert aims to go beyond enhancing patient experience by exploring the use of evidence-based prescription music medicine as a non-pharmacological and non-invasive intervention to improve patient outcomes, provide wellness, and enhance surgical performance.

**Featured Artists:**
- Alecia Lawyer, Oboe
- Eva Burmeister, Violin
- Richard Belcher, Cello
- Dr. Mei Rui, Piano and Curator

**Program:**
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69
- Ennio Morricone: Gabriel’s Oboe, from The Mission
- Camille Saint-Saëns: Oboe Sonata in D major, Op. 166, II. Ad libitum Allegretto Ad libitum in B flat major
- Antonin Dvořák: Piano Trio No. 3 in F minor, Op. 65

**Additional Information:**
This concert is part of the ROCO Connections series, which aims to bring music into various community settings to enrich lives and promote well-being. The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to experience the therapeutic benefits of music in a serene and supportive environment.

**Map and Directions:**
[View on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1515+Holcombe+Blvd,+Houston,+TX,+USA)

For more information, please visit the ROCO website or contact the event organizers.

ROCO Connections: Music-in-Medicine’s Concerts in the Park

MD Anderson Cancer Center

**Event Description: ROCO Connections: Simple Gifts**

Join us for an enchanting evening of music and dance at the "ROCO Connections: Simple Gifts" concert, taking place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 5:00 PM at the Rothko Chapel in Houston, TX. This event is now at capacity, but you can still be part of the experience by joining our free livestream or contacting us to join the waiting list at email protected or 713-665-2700.

Sponsored by the Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation and supported by the Betty Jane Seydler Foundation, this concert is a celebration of collaboration and artistic expression. The program, led by conductor Delyana Lazarova, features Aaron Copland’s iconic tone poem "Appalachian Spring" in its original 13-piece version, which has inspired the ROCO-commissioned world premiere of James Stephenson’s "Persephone." This premiere will include a solo dance performance with original choreography by Marlana Doyle, founder of the Houston Contemporary Dance Company. Additionally, Jennifer Higdon’s quintet "Celestial Hymns" will round out the evening's program.

**Musicians:**
- Scott St. John, violin
- Aloysia Friedmann, violin
- Eva Burmeister, violin
- Sean Riley, violin
- Matthew Dane, viola
- Lorento Golofeev, viola
- Mina Smith, cello
- Annamarie Reader, cello
- Timothy Pitts, bass
- Matthew Roitstein, flute
- Nathan Williams, clarinet
- Kristin Wolfe Jensen, bassoon
- Audrey Andrist, piano

**Dancer:**
- Madison Araiza

**Location:**
Rothko Chapel
Yupon Street, Houston, TX, USA

**Program:**
- Aaron Copland: "Appalachian Spring" (Suite for 13 instruments)
- Jennifer Higdon: "Celestial Hymns" (For clarinet, violin, viola, cello, piano)
- James Stephenson: "Persephone" (ROCO World Premiere Commission with Houston Contemporary Dance Company)

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a blend of music and dance in a serene and inspiring setting.

ROCO Connections: Simple Gifts

Rothko Chapel

**Event Description: ROCO Connections: Blossoms**

Join us for a captivating evening as ROCO’s Connections Series continues on January 27, 2024, in collaboration with The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Rienzi house museum. The concert will take place at 5:00 PM in the glorious ballroom of the Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, located on Kirby Drive.

This special event, now at capacity, will feature a stunning program including Charles Loeffler's "Rhapsodies" and the world premiere of Nicky Sohn's "Colors of Life’s Garden," inspired by the plants and flowers in the 4.4-acre Rienzi Garden. The evening will also include performances of Margaret Bonds' "Troubled Water," Rebecca Clarke's "Morpheus," and Alyssa Morris' "Four Personalities: Yellow."

The concert will be performed by distinguished artists:
- Alecia Lawyer, oboe
- Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola
- Audrey Andrist, piano

Although tickets are no longer available for in-person attendance, you can still join us online for a free livestream of the event on ROCO.org, Facebook, YouTube, and A440.live. For those interested in joining the waiting list, please contact us at email protected or call 713-665-2700.

This event is proudly sponsored by the Texas Commission on The Arts. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a blend of classical and contemporary music in a beautiful setting.

**Program:**
- Nicky Sohn: Colors of Life’s Garden (World Premiere Commission)
- Margaret Bonds: Troubled Water
- Rebecca Clarke: Morpheus
- Alyssa Morris: Four Personalities: Yellow
- Charles Loeffler: Two Rhapsodies, for Oboe, Viola, and Piano

**Location:**
Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Rienzi Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Kirby Drive, Houston, TX, USA

**Livestream:**
Available for free on ROCO.org, Facebook, YouTube, and A440.live

For more information, visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to sharing this musical celebration with you!

ROCO Connections: Blossoms

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

### Event Description: ROCO Connections: Beer & Brass

**Date and Time:** Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 6:30 PM  
**Location:** Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Lyons Avenue, Houston, TX, USA

**Event Overview:**
Join us for an evening of music, merriment, and mouthwatering bites at the annual "ROCO Connections: Beer & Brass" event. This beloved tradition, sponsored by the W.T. and Louise J. Moran Foundation, is the perfect way to ring in the new year with the ROCO Brass Quintet serenading audiences at the Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

**Event Highlights:**
- **Music:** Enjoy traditional beer hall music and favorite brass arrangements performed by the talented ROCO Brass Quintet.
- **Food and Drinks:** Savor craft beers, root beer, and delicious bites provided by Saint Arnold Brewing Company.
- **Family-Friendly:** An evening of fellowship and fun that the whole family will enjoy.

**Ticket Information:**
- **General Admission:** Includes all food and drinks.
- **VIP Ticket Option:** Includes reserved premium seating and a souvenir ROCO pint glass to take home.

**Featured Artists:**
- George Chase, Trumpet
- Jason Adams, Trumpet
- Gavin Reed, French Horn
- Thomas Hulten, Trombone
- Jared Lantzy, Bass Trombone
- Bobby Adams, Percussion

**Location Details:**
Saint Arnold Brewing Company  
Lyons Avenue, Houston, TX, USA  
[View on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps)

Come celebrate with good food, good friends, and good music at "ROCO Connections: Beer & Brass" – an event that promises to be a delightful experience for all!

ROCO Connections: Beer & Brass

Saint Arnold Brewing Company

### Event Description: ROCO In Concert: Infrared

**Date and Time:** Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 5:00 PM  
**Location:** The Church of St. John the Divine, River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA  
**Sponsored by:** The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation

**Event Overview:**
Join us for an extraordinary evening of music at "ROCO In Concert: Infrared," where Conductor Johannes Debus makes his ROCO debut. This captivating program features a blend of world premieres and classical masterpieces, promising an experience that goes beyond the visible spectrum.

**Program Highlights:**
- **Clarice Assad:** *Ode to Carmen Miranda* (World Premiere Commission by ROCO)
- **Richard Danielpour:** *Symphony in Three Movements After the Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri* - I. Nell’ Inferno (World Premiere Commission by ROCO)
- **Missy Mazzoli:** *Sinfonia for Orbiting Spheres* - A musical journey shaped like a solar system, with rococo loops intertwining within a larger orbit.
- **Felix Mendelssohn:** *Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11* - Featuring a fiery opening that brings listeners back to earth.
- **Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:** *Divertimento for Strings in D-major, KV 136* - A delightful piece written purely for entertainment.

**Additional Features:**
- **ROCOrooters:** Enjoy a night out while your children engage in music education and fun activities. ROCOrooters provides up to 6 hours of childcare under the supervision of certified and bonded professionals. This service is available for children aged 2 months to 10 years at a cost of $45 per child. Free, downloadable materials with themed activities are also available for families to enjoy together during the livestream.
- **Livestream:** Can't make it in person? Watch the performance live for free on ROCO.org, Facebook, YouTube, and A440.live.

**Map and Directions:**
[View on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps)

**Join us for an evening where music transcends the ordinary, offering a symphonic journey that is both enlightening and entertaining.**

ROCO In Concert: Infrared

### Event Description: ROCO Unchambered: Rachel Jordan, Violin

**Date and Time:**  
Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 5:00 PM

**Location:**  
The Eldorado Ballroom  
2310 Elgin Street, Houston, TX, USA  
[View on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps)

**Event Overview:**  
Join us as ROCO’s Season 19 Unchambered Series kicks off with a special performance by violinist Rachel Jordan. This vibrant and intimate program will take place in the historic Eldorado Ballroom, a venue that holds significant sentimental value as it was once graced by Rachel's father, the internationally acclaimed saxophonist Kidd Jordan.

**Program Highlights:**  
Rachel Jordan has curated a diverse selection of classical and jazz works to honor her father's memory and legacy. The program includes:

- **Courtney Bryan:** *Syzygy*
- **Chevalier de Saint-Georges:** *Sonata for Two Violins in B flat*
- **Florence Price:** *Deserted Garden*
- **William Grant Still:** *The Sentimental One*
- **Jai Chatters:** *Aspiration*
- Selections from Kidd Jordan, Alvin Batiste, and Rachel Jordan, including:
  - *River Niger* by Kidd Jordan
  - *My Life is a Tree* and *Music Came* by Alvin Batiste
  - *Tango For Kae* and *A Quiet Place* by Rachel Jordan
- **Joni Mitchell:** *A Case of You* and *Both Sides Now*

**Performers:**
- **Rachel Jordan:** Violin
- **Amy Thiaville:** Violin
- **Suzanne LeFevre:** Viola
- **Shino Hayashi:** Cello
- **Stephanie Jordan:** Soprano
- **Barry Sames:** Piano
- **Arthur Moyler:** Double Bass
- **Samuel Knight:** Drums

**Additional Information:**
- **Pre-Event Activities:** Starting at 4:30 PM, a cash bar will be available. The Eldorado Ballroom complex will be open for exploration, including its renovated space and galleries. The Rado Cafe & Market on-site will be open until 4 PM for those who wish to grab a bite before the event. Nearby Project Row Houses will also be open for viewing until 5 PM.
- **Livestream:** This performance will be livestreamed for free on ROCO.org, Facebook, YouTube, and A440.live.

**Media Partner:**  
[ROCO](https://roco.org)

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a heartfelt tribute through music, celebrating family connections and the enduring legacy of Kidd Jordan.

ROCO Unchambered: Rachel Jordan, Violin

Eldorado Ballroom

### Event Description: ROCO Connections: Rise Up

**Date and Time:** Friday, October 20, 2023, 7:30 PM  
**Location:** Asia Society Texas Center, Southmore Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA

ROCO’s Connections Series returns to the Asia Society Texas Center on October 20 with "Rise Up," an evening dedicated to thought-provoking new chamber works and dialogue spotlighting the ongoing fight for women’s rights and equality in the U.S., Iran, and around the world.

**Program Highlights:**
- **World Premiere of "Breaking the Veil"** by Grammy-winning Season 19 Composer-In-Residence Richard Danielpour. This piece is inspired by the current uprising and historic struggles of Iranian women seeking equal rights and freedom. It honors Danielpour’s Persian heritage and is dedicated to his mother, Mehri Danielpour Weil, an Iranian sculptor.
- **New Scoring of "The 19th Amendment"** by Texas-native composer Quinn Mason. This ballet, performed with members of the Houston Contemporary Dance Company, not only depicts the struggle for obtaining the right to vote but also contemplates the impact of the 19th Amendment on our current generation. The performance will feature new choreography by Marlana Doyle, Founding Artistic and Executive Director of the Houston Contemporary Dance Company.

**Performers:**
- **Conductor:** Mei-Ann Chen
- **Soloists:** Brook Ferguson (flute), Alecia Lawyer (oboe), Kristin Wolfe Jensen (bassoon)
- **Ensemble:** Eva Burmeister (violin), Anne Chandra (violin), Aloysia Friedmann (viola), Meredith Harris (viola), Alexis Gerlach (cello), Courtenay Vandiver Pereira (cello), Rachel Martin (bass), Emily Klein (harp), Ksenija Komljenovic (percussion), Lindsey Hoehn (percussion)
- **Houston Contemporary Dance Company Dancers:** Tamia Bradford, Genene Wallis McGrath, Avery Moore

**Panel Discussion:**
Immediately following the premiere, a panel discussion centered around women’s rights will take place in partnership with the Iranian Cultural Foundation-Houston. Panelists include:
- Seth Eslami, former board member, Iranian Cultural Foundation-Houston
- Donya Ziraksari, author, filmmaker, human rights activist
- Shermin Hassanpour, human rights activist
- Mehri Danielpour Weil, artist and sculptor
- Richard Danielpour, composer
- Quinn Mason, composer

**Pre-Concert Reception:**
Join us starting at 6:30 PM for a pre-concert reception and to view the galleries of the Asia Society Texas Center.

**Livestream:**
This performance will also be livestreamed for free on ROCO.org, Facebook, YouTube, and A440.live.

**Tickets:**
This event follows a "Pay What You Wish" model, making it accessible to all.

For more information and to reserve your spot, visit [ROCO.org](https://www.roco.org).

ROCO Connections: Rise Up

Asia Society Texas Center

### Event Description: ROCO Connections: Sight and Sound

**Date and Time:** Thursday, October 12, 2023, 7:00 PM

**Location:** Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), Lynn Wyatt Theater, Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX, USA

**Event Overview:**
ROCO’s Connections Series returns to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with an enchanting evening of chamber music titled "Sight and Sound." This event, curated by and featuring ROCO violinist Eva Burmeister, alongside ROCO pianist Audrey Andrist, promises a unique blend of music and visual art. The concert will be paired with selected artworks from MFAH’s collections, offering a multisensory experience in collaboration with the museum.

**Program:**
- **Johann Sebastian Bach**: Violin Sonata in G Major BMV 1019, Allegro
- **Lili Boulanger**: Nocturne and Cortége
- **Ludwig van Beethoven**: Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Major, I. Allegro con brio
- **Melanie Bonis**: Allegretto
- **Arvò Pärt**: Spiegel im Spiegel
- **Carlos Gardel**: Por una Cabeza (arranged by John Williams)
- **Edward Grieg**: Violin Sonata No. 3 in C minor Op. 45, I. Allegro molto ed appassionato

**Artists:**
- **Eva Burmeister**: Violin
- **Audrey Andrist**: Piano

**Additional Information:**
The concert will take place from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Lynn Wyatt Theater. Following the performance, attendees are invited to join a docent-led tour of the featured artworks. This concert is free with Museum Admission.

**Map and Directions:**
[View on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps)

Join us for an evening where music and art converge, creating a memorable cultural experience.

ROCO Connections: Sight and Sound

### ROCO Revelry Gala 2023

**Date:** Saturday, September 30, 2023  
**Time:** Concert at 5:00 PM, followed by dinner at 7:30 PM  
**Locations:**  
- **Season-Opening Concert:** The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX 77019  
- **Dinner:** Wiess Energy Hall, Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030  

**Event Description:**
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the ROCO Revelry Gala 2023, celebrating ROCO’s innovative spirit in revolutionizing and shaping the future of classical music. The event kicks off with a live performance by ROCO’s professional 40-piece chamber orchestra at The Church of St. John the Divine. Following the concert, guests will enjoy a delightful dinner at the Wiess Energy Hall, where a ROCO musician will be seated at each table, fostering engaging conversations and a personalized experience.

**Honorees:**
- **The Coit Family:** Recognized for their multigenerational support and dedication to ROCO.
- **Lois Stark:** Recipient of the Wildcatting in the Arts Award, celebrated for her avid support of ROCO, authorship, and creativity.
- **Greenwood King Properties:** Honored with the Corporate Philanthropy Award.
- **Liliana Soltero:** Gala Chair.

**Sponsorship Levels:**
- **Composer ($50,000):** Includes patron level benefits, a composer from the season-opening concert at your table, signed scores, and a private dinner with a ROCO composer.
- **Conductor ($25,000):** Includes patron level benefits, an interactive conducting experience, and a signed score from the opening concert.
- **Concertmaster ($15,000):** Includes patron level benefits, an interactive experience with Concertmaster Scott St. John, and a signed score.
- **Musician ($10,000):** Includes patron level benefits, an interactive musician experience, and a signed score.
- **Patron ($5,000):** Reserved table for ten, exclusive conversation with a ROCO musician, recognition in printed materials, and ten tickets to the opening concert.
- **Supporter In-Person ($500):** Reserved seat at the gala, recognition on ROCO’s website and in the concert program, and one ticket to the opening concert.

**Contact Information:**
For more details, please email [email protected] or call 713-665-2700 ext. 3.

**Join us for the best dinner party of the year and celebrate the vibrant energy of ROCO!**

ROCO Revelry Gala 2023

Houston Museum of Natural Science

### Event Description: ROCO In Concert: Seismic

**Date and Time:**  
Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 5:00 PM

**Location:**  
The Church of St. John the Divine  
River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA

**Event Overview:**  
ROCO kicks off its 19th season with "Seismic," an opening concert of epic proportions. This event features the full 40-piece chamber orchestra led by Artistic Partner Mei-Ann Chen. The concert will showcase two ROCO-commissioned world premieres and an exhilarating tale of love, intrigue, and adventure.

**Program Highlights:**

1. **Anthony DiLorenzo’s "Tectonal"**  
   - **World Premiere Commission by ROCO**  
   - **Based on the book "The Telling Image" by Lois Stark**  
   - **Animation by Cynthia Lee Wong**  
   This piece compels the audience to rethink, re-hear, and re-visualize how they view the world.

2. **Kevin Lau’s "The Nightingale"**  
   - **World Premiere Commission by ROCO**  
   - **Narrated by Alecia Lawyer**  
   Recently released as ROCO's first-ever children's book, this piece will be heard in a new scoring for the full chamber orchestra.

3. **Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s "Scheherazade"**  
   This symphonic suite whisks audiences away to the exotic lands of The Arabian Nights through ravishing, vibrantly orchestrated scenes.

**Additional Information:**

- **Livestream:**  
  The performance will also be livestreamed for free on ROCO.org, Facebook, YouTube, and A440.live.

- **Childcare Services:**  
  ROCOrooters provides up to 6 hours of childcare from 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM under the supervision of certified and bonded childcare professionals. This service is available during all of ROCO’s In Concert performances at The Church of St. John the Divine. The cost is $45 per child, and ages 2 months to 10 years are welcome. Free, downloadable materials featuring themed activities for families to enjoy together while watching the livestream will also be available.

**Note:**  
This concert is now at capacity, and tickets are no longer on sale.

**Sponsored by:**  
The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation

**Conductor:**  
Mei-Ann Chen

**Featured Artists:**
- **Anthony DiLorenzo** - Composer of "Tectonal"
- **Kevin Lau** - Composer of "The Nightingale"
- **Alecia Lawyer** - Narrator for "The Nightingale"

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling that promises to be a seismic event in the world of chamber orchestra performances.

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