Marvel at the world-class music of People are People at River Oaks Chamber Orchestra’s annual conductorless concert on Friday, February 24, at The Woodlands United Methodist Church and Saturday, February 25, 2017, at The Church of St. John the Divine.
The 40-piece orchestra made up of all-star musicians will be led by ROCO audience favorite Andrés Cárdenes, who returns to premiere a violin concerto written specifically for him by commissioned composer, Ricardo Lorenz. The Grammy-nominated violinist will lead from the chair and serve as soloist during People are People.
Other works on the program are Luigi Rodolfo Boccherini’s Symphony No. 25 in A-Major, Aaron Copland’s Three Latin American Sketches, and Mendelssohn’s Sinfonia No. 8 in D major.
Guests can enjoy a new level of concert engagement with Octava, a new smartphone app that’s changing the concert-going experience, during both the Mendelssohn and the Lorenz premiere.
Concert-goers can even take advantage of ROCO’s childcare and music education program, ROCOrooters, for children ages 2 months to 10.
A New Level of Concert Engagement
ROCO was the first professional orchestra to premiere Octava, a new smartphone app that delivers real-time program commentary from musicians and guest artists.
Developed by Linda Dusman, composer, and Eric Smallwood, artist, from the University of Maryland, the app will deliver director’s commentary for both the Lorenz premiere and Mendelssohn’s Sinfonia No. 8 in D major.
ROCO has found a way to talk and play at the same time so guests can enjoy a musical and literary conversation packed into one unforgettable experience.
ROCOrooters Childcare & Music Education Program
The program, which guarantees mom and dad a great date and peace of mind, operates during the concert at both The Woodlands and in River Oaks.
Children will enjoy fun music and concert etiquette instruction, as well as a trip into the concert hall (for ages 5 to 10). At The Church of St. John the Divine, there is also an option to stay for pizza and movies after the concert, under the watch of certified and bonded childcare workers.
ROCOrooters is for children aged 2 months (after their first set of shots) to 10 years. Drop-off/pick-up time and cost vary by location. For more information or to sign up, call 713-665-2700 or visit the ROCO ticket page.
About River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO)
The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) is a forty-piece professional chamber orchestra that was founded in 2005 by Alecia Lawyer. A Juilliard-trained musician with an eclectic background as a performer, recording artist, adjunct professor and radio host, Ms. Lawyer had a vision to reimagine the orchestral experience for both audience and musicians. The result is ROCO: an orchestra of all-star musicians, distinguished conductors and contemporary composers who come together from all over the world to present unexpected classics, original compositions, and delightful performances that dissolve the barriers between audience and orchestra.
People are People Performance by River Oaks Chamber Orchestra
- Dates: Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25, 2017
- Times: Friday 7:30pm performance at The Woodlands United Methodist Church; Saturday 4:15pm composer talk and 5pm performance at The Church of St. John the Divine
- Locations: The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380 & The Church of St. John The Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX 77019
- Parking: Free lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area for both performance venues. Valet parking is available at St. John the Divine.
- Admission: Tickets are $35 for Friday, February 24 at The Woodlands United Methodist Church; $25 for seniors; $15 for students. Tickets are $35 for Saturday, February 25 at The Church of St. John the Divine; $25 for seniors; $15 for students. Click here to order tickets for The Woodlands on Friday and click here to order tickets for Houston on Saturday.
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