BIG BANG! Closes Out ROCO's 2012-13 Season, 4/20-21

Today, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra ("ROCO") will present "Big Bang!" with dynamic guest conductor Andre Raphel and the 40-piece River Oaks Chamber Orchestra. Featuring traditional classics by Mendelssohn and Respighi paired with bombastic drums, the ROCO season finale will be a blast for classical music aficionados and families alike. ROCO will present the Houston premiere of a commissioned double percussion concerto by internationally-acclaimed composer Jonathan Leshnoff, performed by percussionists Matt McClung and Todd Meehan. And in ROCO fashion, there will be a surprise or two!

André Raphel has established a reputation as an exciting and versatile conductor. Described by the New York Times as "An agile, demonstrative conductor who is physically drawn into the music," Raphel is currently in his tenth season as Music Director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. Raphel has also served as Assistant Conductor to Kurt Masur at the New York Philharmonic for two years.

Jonathan Leshnoff has earned an international reputation as one of America's most gifted young composers. Named by the Baltimore Sun as an "Artist to Watch," Jonathan Leshnoff's music has been lauded by Strings Magazine as "quite distinct from anything else that's out there," The New York Times declared in a November, 2008 review that "the afternoon's keenest discovery was Mr. Leshnoff."The award-winning composer is a Professor of Music at Towson University.

ROCO in Concert: "Big Bang!" is set for today, April 20, 2013 at 5pm, at the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd. at Westheimer, Houston, TX (with valet parking available). With ROCOrooters music education/childcare program. Tickets are $25 general admission, $10 for students at www.rocohouston.org or 713-665-2700.

The concert will also play on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 8pm, Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Herman Park Drive, Houston, TX. Admission is FREE.

PROGRAM:

Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4, "Italian"

Ottorino Respighi The Birds

Jonathan Leshnoff Concerto for Two Percussionists

Plus a few Surprises!

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. For more information, visit www.rocohouston.org.

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