Principal oboist Alecia L. Lawyer began the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) in 2005 in order to formulate “personal relationships through the language of music.”  This focus is reflected in some of the subtle nuances of the ensemble—such as its frequent collaborations with guest conductors as opposed to one artistic director/conductor, and its annual Conductorless! Valentine’s Concert.

Works by composers such as Haydn, Elgar, Ravel, and Stravinsky share concert billing with premieres by Derek Bermel, Michael McLean, Brad Sayles, and others.  The orchestra’s concert season is supplemented by the ROCOrooters program for families, the chamber music series ROCO Collaborations, the ROCO Music Tastings, which pair an evening of music with wine or beer tastings, as well as solo concerts and performances by amateur ensembles.