ROCO, the innovative Houston-based River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, makes a striking debut with "Visions Take Flight," a double album released in November 2018 on Innova Recordings. This collection is a testament to ROCO's commitment to pushing musical boundaries and engaging audiences with fresh, contemporary classical music. The album features a diverse range of compositions, all of which have been commissioned by ROCO, showcasing the ensemble's dedication to expanding the classical repertoire.
"Visions Take Flight" is a collaborative effort, with the selection of works drawn from ROCO's first twelve seasons. The orchestra surveyed its musicians to choose their favorite pieces, resulting in a program that highlights the ensemble's versatility and artistic depth. The album includes works like "Visions from Another World," a three-movement suite that explores fantastical and evocative themes, and "Murmurations," a triptych inspired by the natural phenomena of starling murmurations. The album also features "Jabberwocky," a playful and imaginative piece inspired by Lewis Carroll's famous poem, and "Concerto for Chamber Orchestra," a three-movement work that showcases the ensemble's technical prowess and musicality. The album concludes with "Anthem of Hope 'Houston Strong'," a poignant tribute to the resilience of the city of Houston.
With a duration of 1 hour and 27 minutes, "Visions Take Flight" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album has been praised for its stellar performances and the ensemble's magnificent playing. It was recognized as one of the top classical releases of 2018 by Textura and earned the producer, Blanton Alspaugh, a GRAMMY nomination for Classical Producer of the Year in 2020. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Visions Take Flight" offers a captivating journey into the world of contemporary classical music, performed by one of today's most innovative and boundary-pushing ensembles.
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