River Oaks Chamber Orchestra

Filmed in 1916, the silent movie Deschutes Driftwood will be given new life by composer Dr. Elena Ruehr in our ROCO String Quartet Concert on February 23rd. The film follows the life of a traveling a hobo by the name of Weak Knees Walter, who travels the rails along the Deschutes River in Oregon. The score was commissioned by the National Film Preservation Foundation which restores “orphaned” early films, and with the help of Elena Ruher , the film has been given a new vitality. Inspired by Railroad songs performed in the early folk tradition, Ruher’s composition mirrors both the churning sounds of the railroad and also the melodies of the people who rode them. Also featured is the poetry of Berton Braley, whose words are featured in the film, and which Ruher has transformed into a folk ballad. This score will be featured in the DVD of the film, but this will be a unique opportunity to hear the world premiere of the score performed live along with a screening of the movie.

Elena Ruher’s string quartet compositions have been featured by the Cypress, Biava, Borromeo, Lark, ROCO, and Shanghai String Quartets, and will have a new CD released in April 2012 of her complete works for chorus and orchestra, featuring the Trinity Choir under the direction of conductor Julian Wachner. Dr. Ruehr was composer-in-residence with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project from 2000 – 2005 who premiered her orchestral works Ladder to the Moon and Sky Above Clouds as well as her acclaimed opera Toussaint Before the Spirits.

Dr. Ruher will be available after the concert for a Q&A session. Don’t miss it! For more information, click here.

The complex and storied history of Pierrot has spurred a canon of works, from music to poetry, upon which Composer Paul English was able to express his unique voice as a composer. One way English achieves this is by employing a distinctive vocal technique called Sprechtimme which lies somewhere between singing and speaking in German. It has notated rhythms and pitches, but the singer is required to leave each pitch as soon as it’s been sounded. Having orchestra members sing in such a fashion will be a first for ROCO, and will be an interesting accompaniment to the music they play.

We are delighted to have Maestro Kazem Abdullah join us for our February concert. Quickly becoming one of the most sought after young conductors on the classical scene and named #4 on the Daily Beast’s list of “Young Rock Stars of the Conducting World.”, Maestro Abdullah has conducted all over the world, including with the Metropolitan Opera and Orquestra de São Paulo. Recently, Abdullah had the honor of winning the Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award as well as conducting with the Sinfonieorchester Aachen, Napa Valley Symphony, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and the Atlanta Opera. In the coming months he will become the Generalmusikdirector of the city of Aachen, Germany, but before he takes his talent overseas he will  join ROCO on February 18^th and 19^th to conduct Schubert Symphony No. 4, Haydn Cello Concerto, performed by soloist Richard Belcher, and the world premiere of Paul English’s Lumière Lunaire.

With the diverse line-up featured in our concert, this is a great opportunity to see the Masestro work his dynamic and confident skills with the world class musicians at ROCO.

I am very excited about our premiere by Paul English.  Many Houstonians know him as a fabulous jazz pianist. He is a brilliant musician, no matter the genre. 

When I asked him to write ROCO a piece, I gave him carte blanche.  I did, however, give him a book of poetry by Jo Ann Falletta, a great conductor who has collaborated with ROCO numerous times.  She wrote beautiful poems about her conducting experiences with people and pieces and places.  One piece called to Paul. This year 2012, is the 100th anniversary of Pierrot Lunaire, an iconic work by Schoenberg that changed the coarse of chamber music composition in the early 1900′s.  Joanne wrote a great poem about the piece and Paul has now set this poem to music.  One of the many surprises in the work, entitled Lumière Lunaire in deference to the homage, is that the orchestra members get to sing during the piece.  In fact, five of us get to wear lavaliere mics and speak in German (actually Sprechstimme, a singing way of saying German). 

I really look forward to the piece, and especially to our audiences reaction to something this interesting and dramatic. See you February 18th or 19th!

Best,
Alecia

River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) continues its 2011-2012 season, “a fusion of cultures and generations,”  by welcoming Kazem Abdullah, who will conduct Schubert Symphony No. 4, Haydn Cello Concerto, performed by soloist, Richard Belcher, the world premiere of Paul English’s Lumière Lunaire, plus a surprise or two. 

Maestro Kazem Abdullah has become one of the most watched young American conductors on the scene today and in August of 2012 will become Generalmusikdirector of the city of Aachen, Germany. His predecessors in this tradition-rich post include Fritz Busch, Herbert von Karajan and Wolfgang Sawallisch. This season Maestro Abdullah appeared with Michigan Opera Theater, Sinfonieorchester Aachen and the Rochester Philharmonic.  He will also appear with the Nuremburg Philharmonic and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Richard Belcher is ROCO’s principal cello. A New Zealand native, Richard has performed as a chamber musician and in solo settings across the USA and internationally. He has been a regular performer for Music in Context, often collaborating with series founder Sergiu Luca, and is cellist and a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Enso String Quartet.

ROCO commissioned outstanding jazz pianist and composer, Paul English, to create a new piece especially for this concert. Inspired by a poem written by conductor Jo Ann Falletta, Paul created Lumière Lunaire, a 23-minute symphony that celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the famous Arnold Schoenberg melodrama, Pierrot Lunaire, which means “Moonstruck Clown.”  In both the Schoenberg and Paul English compositions, narrator voices deliver the poem in the Sprechstimme style, which is spoken text with instrumental accompaniment. In this special piece, the narrator voices are the musicians! The result is a lively contemporary piece that will fascinate as it entertains.  As a complement to this piece, Space Center Houston will present an exhibition of Lunar art and artifacts at a reception following the Saturday performance.

Performance Dates/Times:

• Saturday, Feb 18, 2012, 5pm, at The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd.
  With ROCOrooters music education/childcare (reservations required)
  Tickets are $25, $10 for students with valid student ID
• Sunday, Feb 19, 2012, 5 pm, Concert with Dinner at The Houstonian Hotel, 111 North Post Oak Lane
  Tickets are $95 and include the concert and a 4-course gourmet dinner. Cocktails and wine will be available for purchase before the concert and at the dinner.

Program

Paul English Lumière Lunaire World Premiere
Joseph Haydn Cello Concerto
Franz Schubert Symphony No. 4 in C Minor “Tragic”

On Sunday, January 15th, 2012, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) and InterActive Theater Company will present two performances of the children’s classic, Peter and the Wolf, in partnership with The Houston Zoo.

The story, whose original intent was to “cultivate musical tastes in children from the first years of school,” still delights and entertains. An ensemble of ROCO musicians will play Prokofiev’s composition while actors from InterActive Theater Company narrate and act out the story. These performances will be part of a program that promotes understanding of Wolf Conservation.

Sunday, January 15, 2012
2:00 and 3:30pm
in the Brown Education Center Auditorium
in The Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Drive
(formerly Golf Course Drive)
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 533-6500
Free with zoo admission

This event is generously sponsored by The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.

St. John the Divine and River Oaks Chamber Orchestra will present their second annual production of Amahl and the Night Visitors, on January 6^th, 2012, at 6 and 8pm, at The Church of St. John the Divine.

The perfect way to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” by Gian Carlo Menotti, is the story of the journey of the Magi to visit the new Christ Child. Told through the eyes of a child, it is a poignant tale of a crippled shepherd boy and his destitute mother’s encounter with the three kings. This story inspires as it beautifully illustrates the true meaning of Christmas.

Steve Newberry, Conductor
Kate Pogue, Director
Joseph Hlavinka, Amahl
Sonja Brusauskas, Mother
Magi: Timothy Jones, Joe Rawley, Eduardo Tercero 

Bring the entire family to this 45-minute production. Following the first performance and before the second one, join us in Sumners Hall to meet the cast, and enjoy a reception with family activities.

Amahl and the Night Visitors
January 6, 2012, at The Church of St. John the Divine
Performances at 6pm and 8pm (45-minutes in length)
Reception between performances
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students at the door
Children 5 and under are free.

It’s unfathomable to think that society has enjoyed 270 years of Handel’s Messiah,a tradition indispensable during the holiday season. More so, it has taken circa three centuries for someone to realize the piece is just not at all kid friendly.

That’s where River Oaks Chamber Orchestra’s Alecia Lawyer comes in to commission a composer like Karim Al-Zand — on faculty at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music — to craft a version (Messiah for Kids!) that sheds light on the connection between words and music. To do so, the score calls for an actor to portray Handel. That will be Rutherford Cravens, call him Ruddy for short.

You have seen Cravens at the Alley and as an essential part of the yearly Shakespeare Festival at Miller Outdoor Theater. I can’t imagine anyone more suited for the part. Expect to sing, participate and learn a thing or two. Saturday at 11 a.m.

by Joel Luks @ CultureMap, Dec 1, 2011
Full story here

Trick-or-treating at the ArBOOretum, skulls roll at Lawndale & more
By Joel Luks for CultureMap
10-19-2011

“Upstairs with ROCO” are small, private, infotaining River Oaks Chamber Orchestra events during which musicians talk about the trials and tribulations of their field. Percussionist Matt McClung schlepped his drum set (amidst an endless crew of other musical instruments) from his home in Corpus Christi to speak about his adventures with the popular apparatus. We’ll be talking to him at length, so be on the look-out for an in-depth look at how a musician prepares for a performance. 

How close can you get to opera stars like Anna Netrebko, Ekaterina Gubanova, Ildar Abdrazakov and Stephen Costello? With The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD screenings kicking off this weekend, it appears they are within an arm’s reach. This David McVicar-helmed, historically accurate production packed movie theaters. Where else can opera be experienced with popcorn, Milk Duds and a soda?

Check out the schedule. This season is packed with new and old favorites, including Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Phillip Glass’ Satyagraha and the continuation of the Met’s new Ring Cycle. 

Alley Theatre’s Dividing the Estate commented on gentrification, change in family and societal values and the friction between an old Southern way of life and urban “progress.” With the right amount of comic relief — and a few yawns in the second act as the play dragged on and on — Horton Foote’s Wharton-then-versus-Houston-now is a classic Texas story worthy of your time, if for no other reason, for the “period accents.” Just grab a cup of coffee prior.

Houston Arts Alliance and Buffalo Bayou Partnership unveiled Mark Dion’s Buffalo Bayou Invasive Plant Eradication Unit, Idina Menzel found some clothes to wear at the Houston Symphony, Divergence Vocal Theater planted a severed head in a pot of basil and Dominic Walsh Dance Theater made audiences cry.

On the menu this week is a series of very appetizing events. Hope to see you out and about!

24th Annual Día de los Muertos Gala & Silent Auction at Lawndale Art Center

The retablo exhibition is one of my favorite artsy happenings at Lawndale Art Center. Taking its cue from the tradition of retablos — a Latin American devotional painting or folk art — 300 emerging and established artists are crafting their own on 8-by-10 tin metal sheets.

The walls of Lawndale are already dotted with these festive yet thoughtful works. The exhibit opened on Monday. On Friday at 7 p.m., the highest bidders will step up to claim their favorites in the gala and silent auctions, chaired by Jessica Phifer and James Glassman. With nibbles and noshes provided by Izkali Tequila, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Catering by Culinaire, El Tiempo Cantina, Goodie Bars, Last Concert Cafe, Natachee’s Supper and Punch, Tacos A Go-Go and Whole Foods, the place will be packed with art-curious personalities.  

ArBOOretum Nature Family Festival at Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Having just recently enjoyed a leisurely promenade through the Arboretum’s woods, into the meadow and by the turtle pond, the 155-acre nature sanctuary is the type of rural-within-urban oasis where Houstonians can reconnect with the Bayou City’s original wilderness. With the weather slightly cooler, why not take the kiddos and enjoy a day of pre-Halloween activities?

It’s more than just a children’s costume party. ArBOOretum takes trick-or-treating to an educational level, during which guests will learn about the spooky world of predators like coyotes, bats, owls and spiders alongside treat stations, arts and crafts activities, pumpkin decorating, pony rides, face painting, a petting zoo, a train and hay rides. The boolicious festivities begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, though members have the added benefit of getting in an hour earlier. 

AIA Houston 2011 Home Tour

Sometimes, size doesn’t matter. The American Institute of Architects Houston Home Tour Saturday and Sunday opens the doors to nine residences from 550 to 4,300 square feet, proving that impeccable design is not determined by space. The homes on tour also showcase how sustainability weaves into aspects of floor plan flow, light and materials.

The event offers an opportunity to discover who’s doing what in the city’s architecture scene. The 2011 lineup will showcase the stylings of 2Scale Architects, Interloop Architecture, Intexture, Donna Kacmar, FAIA, m+a architecture studio, Natalye Appel + Associates Architecture, Stern and Bucek Architects and studioMet. 

River Oaks Chamber Orchestra Season Opening Concert

Call the ensemble ROCO (rhymes with loco), as the musicians are much cooler and friendlier than its traditional name implies. It’s more than a concert; ROCO events are an opportunity to get something more out of music and offer an opportunity to get to know the artists. Classical musicians aren’t scary, but rather are an amicable amd quirky bunch.

The orchestra brings back Mei-Ann Chen to Houston to lead Martinu’s Toccata, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 and Finzi’s Songs, performed with baritone soloist Timothy Jones. But that’s not all. There are usually a few surprises. I know what they are, but I am not telling.

The concert is set for 5 p.m. Saturday at the Church of St. John the Divine and 7 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood.

Emerging Leaders’ 11th Annual “Reds, Whites & BOOS!” at Advantage BMW Midtown

Emerging Leaders knows that the next generation of influencers in Houston aren’t shy to partying hard after working hard. Chairs Karen Osborn Stewart and Reda Hicks have masterminded a wicked social affair with a eerily mischievous tenor.

There will be wine, craft beers, evil spirits, light bites from local restaurants and a costume contest. Saturday at 7 p.m.

Assistant editor and nightlife expert Caroline Gallay’s pick: Second Annual Girls Inc. Be Bold Margarita Competition & Silent Auction

Caroline says: “My pick this week is the Girls Inc. Be Bold Margarita showdown Wednesday at the Cadillac Bar. All the margaritas will be made with Izkali tequila — a local brand I’m super excited about and wrote about a few months ago — in support of Girls Inc., a non-profit empowering young women to reach their fullest potential. Deborah Duncan is emceeing and the ladies of the Houston Roller Derby will serve as badass judges.” 

Arts contributor, fun beer gal and Houston’s Dancehunter’s picks: The Blonde, the Brunette, and the Vengeful Redhead at Stages Repertory Theatre

Nancy says: “Don’t let the title, The Blonde, the Brunette, and the Vengeful Redhead, fool you. Robert Hewitt’s one-woman show is not what it seems, nor is it fluffy stuff. What it is, I cannot reveal. Just trust me; it’s complicated.

“But I will tell you that Suzan Koozin delivers the performance of her life in this show, where she plays several characters transforming before our eyes. From an wise-cracking old lady to a four-year-old boy, Koozin makes us believe. It’s simply a marvel to witness. Kenn McLaughlin directs with a spare hand while Kirk Markley’s minimalist set and lights add to the suspense. The play runs through Oct. 30; I suggest running there to see it.”

Lifestyle contributor and Houston explorer Whitney Radley’s pick: A. D. Players presents Driving Miss Daisy at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Whitney says: “The weekend’s weather looks perfect for anything outside. Pack a blanket and settle in on the hill at Miller Outdoor Theatre for A.D. Players’ production of Driving Miss Daisy. Treat yourself to some hot chocolate from the concession stand — because it’s autumn and anything below 70 degrees feels cold.” Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

With the launch of this String Quartet series, ROCO is featuring chamber ensembles drawn from within the full 40-piece chamber orchestra. Chamber music has been called “music among friends” because of its intimate nature. This series allows ROCO to expand relationships among musicians, with composers, and with the audience by presenting musical conversations that include contemporary as well as classic repertoire.

This new series is another step in the University’s multi-year plan to establish a major performing arts center on the St. Thomas campus.

The first concert, on September 29th, 2011, features violinists, Cece Weinkauff and Kirsten Yon, violist and group leader, Suzanne LeFevre, and cellist, Richard Belcher. Each is an accomplished artist-performer: Cece has been a member of the St. Louis Symphony and currently freelances and teaches in New York City. Kirsten is currently in residence at the University of Houston where she serves as Associate Professor of Violin. Suzanne is a violist with ROCO, Houston Grand Opera, and Mercury Baroque, and affiliate professor of Viola at University of Houston. Richard Belcher is ROCO principal cellist and a member of the Grammy-nominated Enso Quartet.

The new ROCO String Quartet Series is sponsored in part by the Houston Press!

Download Press Announcement: Here.