Known as “the most fun you can have with serious music,” ROCO was founded in 2005 by parishioner, oboist, and Juilliard graduate, Alecia Lawyer. After multiple experiences in other musical start-ups, she saw the need for a sustainable and thriving model that would focus on authentic connections between musicians and audiences. Her work of “Wildcatting in the Arts” has expanded through a vibrant and multi-talented team that has made ROCO known for its dedication to living and diverse composers, multigenerational audiences, and free access to classical music for all.
Since its inception, ROCO has been St. John the Divine's resident chamber orchestra. Since 2013, ROCO's concerts have been live-streamed from our acoustically superb sanctuary. ROCO Musicians have also been featured in major concerts by the SJD Chorale, including Handel's Messiah and the Brahms Requiem.