ROCO In Concert: Canvasing the Earth

ROCO’s Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation In Concert Series, featuring the full 40-piece chamber orchestra, continues Saturday, February 26, at 5 p.m. Central with Canvasing the Earth at The Church of St. John the Divine and also livestreamed at ROCO.org, Facebook, and YouTube.

Conductor Sarah Hicks makes her ROCO debut, leading three world premieres including Earth by Aaron Jay Kernis, featuring tenor Nicholas Phan. Reflecting upon the fundamental environmental crisis of our time, and created in collaboration with poet and agricultural researcher Kai Hoffman-Krull, the work tells the story of a farmer’s life through vignettes exploring the incremental changes of the seasons and how those who depend upon the land must adapt.

Honoring survivors of human trafficking, Leanna Primiani’s Neither men nor money validate my worth also receives its world premiere, to be accompanied by images from The New Abolitionists. Completing the program will be the world premiere of Jonathan Leshnoff‘s fanfare Score, and Mussorgsky’s classic Pictures at an Exhibition in a special presentation, with accompanying images from the collections of Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

ROCOrooters, ROCO’s music education program for children, is also available in conjunction with all In Concert and Unchambered performances during the 2020-2021 season. The program includes free, downloadable materials, including themed learning activities, for the whole family to enjoy together pre- or post-concert, or while watching the livestream. See more info here.