ROCO In Concert: Family
Free (Online: Free | In person: Pay-What-You-Wish ($35 suggested ticket price))
- Mariachi Imperial de America
- Mak Grgic, guitar
- Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Traditional — Bèo dạt mây trôi (arr. Ngo Hoang Quan)
Michael Abels — Borders (world premiere; Mak Grgic, guitar)
Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
ROCO's Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation In Concert series kicks off September 24 with "Family" at 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 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. More info: https://roco.org/rocorooters/
About Mak Grgic, guitar
Touted as a "gifted young guitarist" by The New York Times, and "a guitarist to keep an eye on" by the Washington Post, Mak Grgic [GER-gich] is a star on the worldwide stage. An expansive and adventurous repertoire attests to his versatility and wide-ranging interests. From the ethnic music of his native Balkans to extreme avant- garde and microtonal music, his roles as soloist, collaborator, and recording artist are fueled by curiosity, imagination, and boundless energy.
http://www.makgrgic.com/About Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Praised for her dynamic, passionate conducting style, Taiwanese American conductor Mei-Ann Chen is acclaimed for infusing orchestras with energy, enthusiasm and high-level music-making, galvanizing audiences and communities alike.
https://www.meiannchen.com/