ROCO Begins Chamber Series with Asian Influences Today

River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) begins its 2013 - 2014 ROCO Chamber Series today, September 15 at 4:00 pm with a concert inspired by various Asian cultures titled Asian Influences. This will be the first journey in a season themed Around the World in ROCO Ways and is the first of six chamber concerts planned for this season. The chamber group, comprised of various ROCO musicians, will feature ROCO clarinetist Maiko Sasaki performing music by Debussy, Britten, Bartok and Yamada. The concert takes place at the Gremillion & Co. Fine Arts Annex. Tickets are available at the door or on www.rocohousoton.org.

ROCO is a professional chamber orchestra of 40 all-star musicians, distinguished guest conductors and dynamic composers who come together from all over the world to present engaging performances of classical and original compositions. Founded in 2005 by oboist, Alecia Lawyer, ROCO is the most fun you can have with serious music. www.rocohouston.org.

Maiko Sasaki A native of Chiba, Japan, Ms. Sasaki has performed with prestigious arts organizations throughout the musical spectrum. She is also an active recitalist, and has been featured at the Kennedy Center with The Conservatory Project. Ms. Sasaki has won numerous awards for her work, including first prize in the International Clarinet Association Orchestra Audition Competition, the Shepherd School of Music Concerto Competition, and the JILA Music Competition in Tokyo. Ms. Sasaki holds a Master's degree in music from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, and is currently studying for her doctoral degree from Rice University's Shepherd School of Music with Professor Michael Webster.