River Oaks Chamber Orchestra Sets 2017-2018 Season

HOUSTON, TX — Fans of great music are happy this week, because the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra's "Cultivate Curiosity" 2017-2018 season has been unveiled, and it's one of firsts.

In addition to nine world-premiere commissions, works by five composers new to the orchestra will be performed. The concertmaster for the season is violinist Scott St. John, who has been with ROCO since season 11.

"In our 13th season, ROCO celebrates all the ways that we embrace innovation and invites audiences to cultivate their own curiosities in musical conversation with ROCO musicians," Alecia Lawyer, ROCO founder, artistic director and principal oboist, says.

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Audiences can expect a diverse slate of concerts, including works based on John F. Kennedy and a Houston punk band, The Hates.

"Season 13 will be full of new experiences for ROCO, cultivating the curiosity of our audience and musicians alike," says Amy Gibbs, ROCO managing director. "In August, we will make our very first commercial recording at Round Top Festival Hill, featuring a combination of the ROCO musicians’ five favorite commissions from our past concerts. Keeping with ROCO tradition, the concerts this season will feature unexpected collaborations and music with surprising inspirations."

Here's a look at the complete season:

ROCO IN CONCERT: “TO THE BEAT OF A DIFFERENT DRUMMER”

Friday, September 22, 2017, 8 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theater, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030

Saturday, September 23, 2017, 5 p.m.

The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX 77019

ROCO UNCHAMBERED: “NIK-NAK”

Sunday, October 8, 2017, 5 p.m.

Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH), 3400 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

Tuesday, October 10, 2017, 3 p.m.

Cypress Creek FACE, 6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379

ROCO CONNECTIONS: “MUSICAL TRICK OR TREAT”

Thursday, October 26, 2017, 6 p.m.

The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002

ROCO CONNECTIONS: “MUSICAL AND LITERARY OFRENDA”

Thursday, November 2, 2017, art tour begins at 5:30 p.m.; concert starts at 6 p.m.

Lawndale Art Center, 4912 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

ROCO IN CONCERT: “COURAGEOUS CATALYST”

Saturday, November 11, 2017, 5 p.m.

The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX 77019

ROCO UNCHAMBERED: “MUSICAL PARFAIT”

Sunday, November 19, 2017, 5 p.m.

Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH), 3400 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

ROCO CONNECTIONS: “SEASON OF THANKS FOR THE MASTERSONS"

Thursday, November 30, 2017, 6:30 p.m.

Rienzi, 1406 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77019

ROCO CONNECTIONS: “BEER AND BRASS”

Thursday, January 4, 2018, 6 p.m.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Avenue, Houston, TX 77020

ROCO CONNECTIONS: “PETER AND THE WOLF”

Sunday, January 14, 2018, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.

Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030

ROCO IN CONCERT: “LEGENDARY LOVE”

Friday, February 9, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Saturday, February 10, 2018, 5 p.m.

The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX 77019

ROCO UNCHAMBERED: “ROCO BRASS QUINTET”

Sunday, February 18, 2018, 5 p.m.

Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH), 3400 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

ROCO UNCHAMBERED: “MAGICAL INSPIRATIONS"

Sunday, April 8, 2018, 5 p.m.

Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH), 3400 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

Tuesday, April 10, 2018, 3pm

Cypress Creek FACE, 6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379

ROCO IN CONCERT: “TWISTS OF FATE”

Saturday, April 21, 2018, 5 p.m.

The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX 77019

For further information about the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra's 2017-2018 season, click here.

— Image: Kevin Lau (River Oaks Chamber Orchestra)