ROCO’s In Concert series opens on September 23 and 24 with “Family” at Miller Outdoor Theatre and The Church of St. John the Divine! This performance will also be livestreamed free at ROCO.org, Facebook, YouTube, and A440.

Artistic Partner Mei-Ann Chen leads the orchestra in a program inspired by community, family, and hope, honoring Houston’s cultural diversity. Juan Pablo Contreras‘ Mariachitlán will take 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 features 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, and Ludwig van Beethoven‘s dramatic Symphony No. 5, nicknamed the “Fate Symphony,” reminds us that our fate can be in our own hands, encouraging us to write our own stories.

ROCOrooters is also back in-person, offering a night out for you and music education and childcare for the kids! Providing up to 6 hours of childcare under the supervision of certified and bonded childcare professionals, our program is available during all of ROCO’s In Concert performances at The Church of St. John the Divine. Cost is $45 per child, and ages 2 months to 10 years are welcome. Free, downloadable materials will also be available, featuring themed activities for families to enjoy together while watching the livestream, for all of ROCO’s In Concert and Unchambered performances.

Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Michael Abels, composer
Mak Grgic, guitar
Mariachi Imperial de America

PROGRAM

Juan Pablo Contreras: Mariachitlán
Traditional, arr. Ngo Hoang Quan: Bèo dạt mây trôi
Michael Abels: Borders
[World Premiere ROCO Commission]
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5