ROCO’s May '07 conductor, Edwin Outwater, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Music Director:
“They’ve done it — they’ve taken a classical concert and made it into a friendly, fun, social event without compromising the music. Thus proving what I’ve always thought — it’s not the music or the programming that needs help in the orchestra world, it’s the EXPERIENCE. River Oaks Chamber Orchestra is taking off. Congratulations, and bravissimo!”
Charles Ward of the Houston Chronicle exclaimed “They made the music dance,” and said “ROCO looks like it won’t be a one-season wonder.”
Alain G. Declert, Program Director, The International Festival – Institute at Round Top, Round Top, TX:
“There are no words to express my deep joy to see your project so successful. The whole evening was filled with energy, commitment and a real sense of professionalism. … I plan to spread the word as much as I can!”
Audience members made these comments:
“Congratulations on yet another fantastic concert! … ROCO Rocks!” (Teresa S.)
“My husband and I agreed that Michael McLean’s 'Elements for Solo Violin and Strings' was the most beautiful performance we have ever, ever heard. I know that we are not alone in that opinion. You knocked everyone’s socks off. All around us, we heard 'Wow! Incredible. That was glorious!' It was a pleasure to hear ROCO, and I’ll be telling everyone I know that if they missed 'Elements,' it’s too bad. They should have been there.” (Lydia B.)
“I loved the music, the quality of the musicianship, the fact that you began early to allow people to stay for refreshment afterwards, the Take 5 and the musicians mingling with the audience, the fact that the conductor was so personable. I could go on. And the unique childcare arrangements. You thought of everything. It was one of the most enjoyable concert experiences I have ever had, and I have attended many.” (Debbie C.)
“I loved every minute of the entire concert. … I really do not know what I had expected, but I must say that everything far exceeded my expectations. I think that you have taken Houston one big giant step forward.” (Isabel M.)
“Alecia, you are truly a visionary; nothing but superlatives [about last night’s concert] come to mind.” (Mary Ann N.)
"You played with abandoned joy, with sheer delight and charming playfulness. I loved this aspect! It is engaging and relational; it beckons the audience to engaged participation -- the very quality I have long believed to be lacking in our cultural and aesthetic endeavors. Bravo!" (Susan D.)
Please click below to read the welcome letters we received prior to our inaugural concert:
Letter from John Cornyn, United States Senator (pdf)
Letter from Rick Perry, Governor of the State of Texas (pdf)
Letter from Bill White, Mayor of Houston (pdf)
Letter from Jane Landry Schubert on behalf of the Schubert Family (pdf)
|
