The dynamic, Texas-based River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) announced today that American-Taiwanese conductor Mei-Ann Chen has been appointed the organization's first ever Artistic Partner beginning in 2019-2020, the orchestra's 15th season. She will conduct the season opener on September 27 and 28, 2019 .

As Artistic Partner, Ms. Chen will lead a performance each season of the 40-piece chamber orchestra's In Concert series and will work closely as a creative and thought partner in collaboration with Founder and Artistic Director Alecia Lawyer.

Ms. Lawyer stated, "Since ROCO is all about relationships, there is nothing that compares to finding kismet with a conductor who is an artistic innovator, willing to take risks and explore new territory in our fantastic musical field."

Ms. Chen said, "ROCO is a unique ensemble, one-of-a-kind - its friendly and collaborative atmosphere makes the high-level music making the most joyful experience for all involved. I am honored to be the first Artistic Partner and very much look forward to being part of ROCO officially!"

"March 18, 2019. One older and five new orchestral works by women composers comprise Project W, our Classical Album of the Week. Recently released by Cedille Records, Project W is performed by the Chicago Sinfonietta, under the direction of its music director, Mei-Ann Chen."

Artistic Director Mathis Huber of Austria's recreation-GROSSES ORCHESTER GRAZ announced today following this evening’s concert performance that American-Taiwanese conductor Mei-Ann Chen has been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the 17-year-old orchestra. The appointment extends through the 2021-22 season, beginning September 2019. “I am delighted that the great personal and artistic relationship that has developed in the collaboration between Mei-Ann Chen and the recreation-GROSSES ORCHESTER GRAZ musicians since 2011 is now expressed in the fact that Mei-Ann Chen will act as the ‘Principal Guest Conductor’ of our orchestra for the seasons 2019/20 to 2021/22,”stated Mr. Huber. “She will design at least two projects per season for and with recreation, and she will develop one of her artistic focus areas together with us, discovering and presenting the orchestral works of important female composers of the past and the present. This project is in good hands with an orchestra that has also committed itself to generate gender equality at the conductor's stand.”