Brett Mitchell’s return to River Oaks Chamber Orchestra to feature two world premieres

Mr. Mitchell will lead new works by composers Reena Esmail (L) and Quinn Mason (R) with the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra in April 2021.

Published April 28, 2020 Updated April 26, 2021

HOUSTON - Following his debut in February 2019, the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra has announced that Brett Mitchell will return to the podium to lead two world premieres on their 2020-21 season finale.

The program will feature the first performance of The History of Red, a co-commission by Reena Esmail based on a text by Chickasaw poet Linda Hogan, with soprano Kathryn Mueller as soloist. Mr. Mitchell will also lead the world premiere of Princesa de la Luna by Quinn Mason.

The complete program:

ERROLLYN WALLEN - Photography
BARBER - Knoxville: Summer of 1915
QUINN MASON - Princesa de la Luna [world premiere]
FALLA - ‘Danse espagnole’ from La vida breve
REENA ESMAIL - The History of Red [world premiere]
SURINACH - Ritmo Jondo: Flamenco for Orchestra (feat. live dance from Solero Flamenco)

The concert will be streamed live on Saturday, April 24, 2021, from The Church of St. John the Divine in Houston.

For more information, please visit the event page, and read the following previews:

• Houston Chronicle: ROCO sees ‘Red’ with Reena Esmail composition this weekend

• Houstonia: Meet Quinn Mason, the Up-and-Coming Composer Coming to Houston

• Houston Press: Best Virtual Bets

Mr. Mitchell previews the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra’s 16th season finale: ‘Flamenco.’

Mr. Mitchell and soprano Kathryn Mueller offer a sneak peek of Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915.