The full-chamber orchestra show features the World Premiere of Erberk Eryilmaz’s Koca Yusuf, Wrestling Airs for Two Davuls and Chamber Orchestra, an ode to the notorious 19th century Turkish wrestler

The concert will also feature performances of Jocelyn Morlock’s Solace and Samuel Barber’s Toccata Festiva, featuring organ soloist Paul Jacobs

For immediate release – Houston, TX – ROCO’s (River Oaks Chamber Orchestra) fourteenth season Games People Play, closes with The Wrestler on May 4 at The Church of St. John the Divine. The concert will feature the world premiere of Erberk Eryilmaz’s Wrestling Airs for Two Davuls and Chamber Orchestra, written in memory of the world-famous 19th century Turkish wrestler Koca Yusuf who instigated a riot when he threw an opponent out of a ring during a match at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1898 (yes, that Metropolitan Opera!), and featuring a battle between two percussionists playing Turkish drums.

In addition to Eryilmaz’s piece, ROCO will also be performing Jocelyn Morlock’s Solace, one of guest conductor David Danzmayr’s personal favorite pieces, as well as Samuel Barber’s Toccata Festiva, which will be arranged for chamber orchestra by Mark Buller and will feature an organ solo by Paul Jacobs. The concert will close with Brian Newbould’s completed version of Schubert’s Symphony No. 10.

ROCOrooters, an educational program offering up to 6 hours of childcare under the supervision of certified and bonded childcare professionals, is also available for The Wrestler. Parents can enjoy the concert as a date night or evening with friends while their children receive a music lesson about one piece from the concert’s program, a trip into the concert hall to hear the piece performed live, an educational recap, and optional movies and pizza afterward until 10:30. More information is available at https://roco.org/rocorooters/.