Event Date: September 28, 2024
Locations: St. John the Divine for Concert; Thompson Hotel for Gala
Event: Concert & Gala
Beneficiary: ROCO
No. in attendance: 300
Money raised: $275,000
Chairpersons: Ginger Blanton, Elizabeth Blanton and Leslie Blanton
Honorees: Mimi Lloyd, Chris Shepherd and SheSpace
Emcee: Fred Child
Décor: Swift + Company
Photography: Daniel Ortiz
Twenty Years in the Making: Bringing Some Revelry to ROCO 20th Anniversary Gala
ROCO, a professional chamber orchestra known for its dynamic performances, pioneering spirit, and commitment to building community through music, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a concert and gala in late September. As is usual, the performance began at The Church of St. John the Divine under the dynamic direction of Artistic Partner Mei-Ann Chen. A reception and dinner at the new Thompson Hotel followed it.
The concert featured works, including world-premiere commissions by Viet Cuong and Mark Buller and a new rescoring by Jim Stephenson with original animation by James Templeton.
The reception on the hotel terrace showcased epic views of downtown Houston. The 300 guests were then led into the ballroom, where American Public Media’s Fred Child and décor by Swift + Company set the tone for a glorious two-decade celebration. Chairs Ginger Blanton, Elizabeth Blanton and Leslie Blanton were overjoyed, as were honorees Mimi Lloyd, Chris Shepherd and SheSpace, as $275,000 was raised to support the charity’s ongoing efforts.
Alecia Lawyer, Artistic Director and Founder, has helped the organization gain national recognition for its boundary-pushing performances and 150 world premiere commissions. She states, “Celebrating 20 years was a monumental moment for us. It’s a testament to the vision and passion of our musicians, board members, and supporters, who have helped us evolve into one of the most forward-thinking orchestras in the country. The Revelry gala perfectly reflected our spirit—a celebration of joy, connection, and, of course, the musicians of ROCO.”
ROCO has built a legacy around human-first performances and reimagining the orchestral experience. From commissioning works by living composers to engaging audiences through interactive performances and digital innovation, ROCO has consistently expanded the reach and relevance of classical music.
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Amanda McMillian and Benjamin Holloway, Mary Catherine and Bailey Jones, Lois and George Stark, Ali and Frank Donnelly, Rachel and John Rosson, Dr. Gregory Scott Brown and Taylor Brown, Jeremy Fain, Gayl and Chuck Carlberg, Connie Pfeiffer, Regina Rogers, Daniel and Alex Rose, Astrid and Soren Marklund
