ROCO, short for River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, is a Houston-based classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences since its founding in 2005. The ensemble is known for its innovative programming, commitment to new music, and engaging performances. ROCO was founded by Alecia Lawyer, a flutist and attorney who had a vision of creating a chamber orchestra that would be accessible to all audiences. Lawyer wanted to break down the barriers that often exist between classical music and the general public, and she believed that a chamber orchestra could be the perfect vehicle for doing so. The ensemble's first concert was held in September 2005, and it was an immediate success. The concert featured works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, as well as a world premiere by composer Karim Al-Zand. The concert was sold out, and the audience response was overwhelmingly positive. Since that first concert, ROCO has gone on to become one of the most respected and innovative chamber orchestras in the country. The ensemble is made up of some of the finest musicians in the Houston area, many of whom are also members of the Houston Symphony and other major orchestras. One of the hallmarks of ROCO's programming is its commitment to new music. The ensemble has commissioned over 100 new works from composers around the world, and it regularly features these works in its concerts. ROCO has also established a composer-in-residence program, which allows a composer to work closely with the ensemble over the course of a season. ROCO has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and programming. In 2015, the ensemble was named the "Best Chamber Ensemble" by the Houston Press Music Awards. In 2016, ROCO was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support its commissioning program. And in 2017, the ensemble was named one of the "Top 10 Innovative Classical Music Organizations" by Musical America. One of the highlights of ROCO's performance history was its collaboration with the Houston Ballet in 2018. The ensemble performed the world premiere of a new ballet, "Sylvia," which was choreographed by Stanton Welch and set to music by Léo Delibes. The collaboration was a huge success, and it showcased ROCO's versatility and ability to work in a variety of genres. Another notable performance by ROCO was its 2019 concert, "Queen of Hearts," which featured works by female composers. The concert was a celebration of women in classical music, and it featured works by composers such as Jennifer Higdon, Joan Tower, and Gabriela Lena Frank. The concert was a huge success, and it highlighted ROCO's commitment to diversity and inclusivity in its programming. ROCO has also been active in the community, and it has established several educational programs to engage young people in classical music. The ensemble's "ROCOrooters" program is designed for children ages 5-10, and it introduces them to the world of classical music through interactive performances and activities. The ensemble also offers a "ROCO Connections" program, which brings musicians into schools to perform and teach students about classical music. In conclusion, ROCO is a dynamic and innovative chamber orchestra that has made a significant impact on the classical music world.

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