Artwork by Lynn Lane
|
BOLD SERENITY How do we live thoughtfully? In an era of constant interruption, endless information, and increasing division, how do we live thoughtfully? Apollo Chamber Players' 19th season, Bold Serenity, explores four essential pillars of human flourishing: attention, engagement, expression, and wisdom. Through groundbreaking new commissions, immersive conversations, and collaborations spanning music, poetry, dance, neuroscience, and contemplative practice, our season invites you to reconsider what it means to be fully present in the 21st century. I'm sure you feel the cacophony too. Modern life often makes thoughtful living difficult. Constant distraction attacks attention, and algorithms fragment engagement. Polarization undermines meaningful expression, while speed and swipes leave little room for reflection. At its core, serenity is not withdrawal from the world, but the ability to engage with it fully and intentionally. Through four interconnected programs, Apollo journeys from calm amid chaos, to creative flow, to civic voice, and finally to reflection across generations. Join us as we explore these questions of human existence together. -MATTHEW J. DETRICK, Founder & Director
|
TRANQUILITY
How do we find calm?
Bold Serenity opens with a cross-cultural musical dialogue between composer and author Anthony Brandt and Indian Carnatic musician Chitravina Ravikiran, the "Mozart of Indian Classical Music."
Centered around two interwoven commissions — Resting States (Brandt) and Illusion to Resolution (Ravikiran) — the program explores the challenges of contemporary life and the modern mind's search for calm amid overstimulation and distraction.
Together, these works trace a journey from darkness to light, confusion to clarity, and anxiety to tranquility, creating a compelling conversation between neuroscience and spirituality and Western contemporary music and Eastern Carnatic tradition.
How do we find calm?
Bold Serenity opens with a cross-cultural musical dialogue between composer and author Anthony Brandt and Indian Carnatic musician Chitravina Ravikiran, the "Mozart of Indian Classical Music."
Centered around two interwoven commissions — Resting States (Brandt) and Illusion to Resolution (Ravikiran) — the program explores the challenges of contemporary life and the modern mind's search for calm amid overstimulation and distraction.
Together, these works trace a journey from darkness to light, confusion to clarity, and anxiety to tranquility, creating a compelling conversation between neuroscience and spirituality and Western contemporary music and Eastern Carnatic tradition.
Featured Artists
Anthony Brandt
Composer • Rice University
Chitravina Ravikiran
Composer • Chitravina Performer
Apollo Chamber Players perform with Chitravina Ravikiran during Houston Melharmony at Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
|
Chitravina Ravikiran
• Composer • Chitravina Performer
|
Anthony Brandt • Composer
|
PROGRAM
Anthony Brandt
Resting States (2026)
for string quartet
World Premiere
Chitravina Ravikiran
Illusion to Resolution (2026)
for string quartet & chitravina
World Premiere
Arvo Pärt
Fratres
Resting States (2026)
for string quartet
World Premiere
Chitravina Ravikiran
Illusion to Resolution (2026)
for string quartet & chitravina
World Premiere
Arvo Pärt
Fratres
VENUE INFO
|
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Houston
Zilkha Hall 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 PARKING: Hobby Center Parking and Directions |
FLOW
In a world of endless scrolling, how do we focus deeply?
Flow explores the elusive state where creativity, attention, and meaning converge. Presented in an intimate setting and timed with James Turrell's Twilight Epiphany, the program combines music, conversation, and communal reflection in a unique journey toward presence and deep listening.
Curated with past Apollo commissions, traditional masterworks, and a new commission by Chinese-American composer Tian Qin, Flow features a conversation with Leila Scott Price, bringing artists and audience members together to cultivate flow in both creative practice and everyday life.
In a world of endless scrolling, how do we focus deeply?
Flow explores the elusive state where creativity, attention, and meaning converge. Presented in an intimate setting and timed with James Turrell's Twilight Epiphany, the program combines music, conversation, and communal reflection in a unique journey toward presence and deep listening.
Curated with past Apollo commissions, traditional masterworks, and a new commission by Chinese-American composer Tian Qin, Flow features a conversation with Leila Scott Price, bringing artists and audience members together to cultivate flow in both creative practice and everyday life.
Featured Artists
Leila Scott Price
Conversation Facilitator • Co-Founder, The Center for Healing Arts & Sciences
Kenneth Gayle
Conversation Facilitator • Director, Unity Fine Arts • Board Director, Apollo Chamber Players
Tian Qin
Composer
Apollo Chamber Players during ENLIGHTEN at the James Turrell Skyspace at Live Oak Friends Meeting House.
|
Tian Qin
• Composer
|
Kenneth Gayle • Conversation Facilitator • Director, Unity Fine Arts • Board Director, Apollo Chamber Players
|
PROGRAM
Philip Glass
String Quartet No. 3, "Mishima"
Joey Roukens
Forgotten Dutch Melodies (2024)
Artist & Audience Conversation
What Creates Flow?
Claude Debussy
String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10
Tian Qin
Apollo's Commission for String Quartet (2026)
World Premiere
Marty Regan
Splash of Indigo (2015)
String Quartet No. 3, "Mishima"
Joey Roukens
Forgotten Dutch Melodies (2024)
Artist & Audience Conversation
What Creates Flow?
Claude Debussy
String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10
Tian Qin
Apollo's Commission for String Quartet (2026)
World Premiere
Marty Regan
Splash of Indigo (2015)
VENUE INFO
|
Live Oak Friends Meeting
James Turrell Skyspace 1318 W 26th St, Houston, TX 77008 PARKING: Free parking at venue. For free street parking, please observe all posted parking regulations. |
VOICE: Living Democracy
Serenity is not silence. It is the courage to speak.
Presented in partnership with Rothko Chapel and inspired by its exploration of democracy as a "sacred space," Voice explores the responsibilities and possibilities of civic life through music, poetry, and dialogue. Featuring Houston Poet Laureates, nationally recognized composers, and civil rights leaders, the program examines freedom, dissent, equality, and the enduring work of building community.
A program centerpiece is a new commission by Houston-based jazz composer Jalen Baker. Co-commissioned by Apollo and Rothko Chapel, the work finds inspiration from Barnett Newman's Broken Obelisk and its journey from civic controversy to beloved Houston landmark.
Through chamber music as a bold, collaborative vehicle for cultural harmony, Voice explores democracy beyond politics—as a living practice of empathy, courage, participation, frustration, and hope.
“As the United States marks 250 years as a democratic republic, we are reminded that democracy requires listening, imagination, and a recognition of our shared humanity. Collaborating with Apollo Chamber Players on this special performance will further create fruitful dialogue, inspire action, and expand our understanding of ‘We the People.’”
Abdullah Antepli
Rothko Chapel President
Serenity is not silence. It is the courage to speak.
Presented in partnership with Rothko Chapel and inspired by its exploration of democracy as a "sacred space," Voice explores the responsibilities and possibilities of civic life through music, poetry, and dialogue. Featuring Houston Poet Laureates, nationally recognized composers, and civil rights leaders, the program examines freedom, dissent, equality, and the enduring work of building community.
A program centerpiece is a new commission by Houston-based jazz composer Jalen Baker. Co-commissioned by Apollo and Rothko Chapel, the work finds inspiration from Barnett Newman's Broken Obelisk and its journey from civic controversy to beloved Houston landmark.
Through chamber music as a bold, collaborative vehicle for cultural harmony, Voice explores democracy beyond politics—as a living practice of empathy, courage, participation, frustration, and hope.
“As the United States marks 250 years as a democratic republic, we are reminded that democracy requires listening, imagination, and a recognition of our shared humanity. Collaborating with Apollo Chamber Players on this special performance will further create fruitful dialogue, inspire action, and expand our understanding of ‘We the People.’”
Abdullah Antepli
Rothko Chapel President
Featured Artists
Featured Artists
Houston Poet Laureates:
Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton (2017–19)
Outspoken Bean (2021–23)
Aris Kian Brown (2023–25)
Reyes Ramirez (2025–27)
Composers & Collaborators
Jalen Baker, composer & vibraphone
Drew Johnson, vibraphone
Kenneth Morris, Jr., co creator & narrator (Frederick Douglass Family Initiative)
Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR), composer & speaker
Vocalists
Penelope Campbell, soprano
TBD, mezzo soprano
Wayne Ashley, tenor
Kenneth Gayle, tenor
Keaton Brown, baritone
Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton (2017–19)
Outspoken Bean (2021–23)
Aris Kian Brown (2023–25)
Reyes Ramirez (2025–27)
Composers & Collaborators
Jalen Baker, composer & vibraphone
Drew Johnson, vibraphone
Kenneth Morris, Jr., co creator & narrator (Frederick Douglass Family Initiative)
Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR), composer & speaker
Vocalists
Penelope Campbell, soprano
TBD, mezzo soprano
Wayne Ashley, tenor
Kenneth Gayle, tenor
Keaton Brown, baritone
Apollo Chamber Players perform at Rothko Chapel during the 2024 Summer Solstice celebration.
|
Kenneth Morris, Jr.
• Co-Creator & Narrator • Frederick Douglass Family Initiative
Keaton Brown • Baritone
Wayne Ashley • Tenor
Aris Kian Brown • Poet Laureate (2023–2025)
Outspoken Bean • Poet Laureate (2021–2023)
|
Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) • Composer • Speaker
Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton • Poet Laureate (2017–2019)
Reyes Ramirez • Poet Laureate (2025–2027)
Jalen Baker • Composer • Vibraphone
Keaton Brown, baritone
|
Abdullah Antepli • Rothko Chapel President
|
Barnett Newman's Broken Obelisk at Rothko Chapel in Houston, TX.
|
PROGRAM
Jaylin Vinson
Hold These Truths… (2025)
for string quartet & spoken word
Jalen Baker
Kindling (2025)
for string quartet, vibraphone & spoken word
John Cornelius
PAX (2022)
for string quartet, tenor & spoken word
Jalen Baker
World Premiere
for string quartet & two vibraphones
Co-commissioned by Apollo Chamber Players and Rothko Chapel
Inspired by Barnett Newman's Broken Obelisk
Emma Kent Wine
The Path (2025)
Daniel Bernard Roumain
And Still We Cross (2026)
for string quartet, SATB vocal quartet & narrator
Post-Concert Conversation
Moderated by Abdullah Antepli, Rothko Chapel President
Hold These Truths… (2025)
for string quartet & spoken word
Jalen Baker
Kindling (2025)
for string quartet, vibraphone & spoken word
John Cornelius
PAX (2022)
for string quartet, tenor & spoken word
Jalen Baker
World Premiere
for string quartet & two vibraphones
Co-commissioned by Apollo Chamber Players and Rothko Chapel
Inspired by Barnett Newman's Broken Obelisk
Emma Kent Wine
The Path (2025)
Daniel Bernard Roumain
And Still We Cross (2026)
for string quartet, SATB vocal quartet & narrator
Post-Concert Conversation
Moderated by Abdullah Antepli, Rothko Chapel President
VENUE INFO
|
Rothko Chapel
3900 Yupon St, Houston, TX 77006 PARKING: Free street parking is available on Yupon, Branard, and Sul Ross streets. Please observe all posted parking regulations. The Moran Parking Garage (Graustark & West Alabama, University of St. Thomas campus) is also available for $10 per vehicle. |
REFLECTION
What do we cultivate and pass forward?
Bold Serenity concludes with a meditation on legacy, memory, and the sharing of wisdom across generations.
The heart of Reflection is a new commission by legendary Cuban composer Leo Brouwer, featuring a stunning collaboration with multiple GRAMMY®-winning performers João Luiz Rezende Lopes and Anabel Gil Díaz. Along with Houston Ballet dancers Monica Gomez and Gian Carlo Perez, the work features new choreography performed alongside dancers from Houston Ballet Academy, bringing emerging and established artists together in a shared act of intergenerational creation.
The program also highlights Tolo (Sunrise) by Afghan-American composer Homayoun Sakhi and Beethoven's final string quartet, Op. 135—a late-life masterpiece that wrestles with acceptance and what we leave behind.
As Apollo approaches its 20th anniversary, Reflection serves as a thematic bridge linking our past and present while boldly venturing into the future.
What do we cultivate and pass forward?
Bold Serenity concludes with a meditation on legacy, memory, and the sharing of wisdom across generations.
The heart of Reflection is a new commission by legendary Cuban composer Leo Brouwer, featuring a stunning collaboration with multiple GRAMMY®-winning performers João Luiz Rezende Lopes and Anabel Gil Díaz. Along with Houston Ballet dancers Monica Gomez and Gian Carlo Perez, the work features new choreography performed alongside dancers from Houston Ballet Academy, bringing emerging and established artists together in a shared act of intergenerational creation.
The program also highlights Tolo (Sunrise) by Afghan-American composer Homayoun Sakhi and Beethoven's final string quartet, Op. 135—a late-life masterpiece that wrestles with acceptance and what we leave behind.
As Apollo approaches its 20th anniversary, Reflection serves as a thematic bridge linking our past and present while boldly venturing into the future.
Apollo Chamber Players with Houston Ballet dancers during OPPORTUNITY, part of the WE THE PEOPLE season (2024-25).
|
Featured Artists
Monica Gomez
Choreographer • Dancer, Houston Ballet
Gian Carlo Perez
Choreographer • Dancer, Houston Ballet
Jennifer Sommers
Director • Houston Ballet Academy
Orlando Medina
Program Manager & Instructor • Houston Ballet Academy
João Luiz Rezende
Guitarist
Anabel Gil Díaz
Flutist
Monica Gomez
Choreographer • Dancer, Houston Ballet
Anabel Gil Díaz • Flute
Leo Brouwer • Composer
Homayoun Sakhi • Composer
|
Gian Carlo Perez
Choreographer • Dancer, Houston Ballet
João Luiz Rezende • Guitar
Orlando Medina
Program Manager & Instructor • Houston Ballet Academy
|
PROGRAM
Leo Brouwer
La isla infinita (The Infinite Island) (2027)
for string quartet, guitar & flute
World Premiere
Leo Brouwer
Sonata Cubana No. 7
Paisajes, Retratos y mujeres
Homayoun Sakhi
Tolo (Sunrise) (2024)
Ludwig van Beethoven
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135
La isla infinita (The Infinite Island) (2027)
for string quartet, guitar & flute
World Premiere
Leo Brouwer
Sonata Cubana No. 7
Paisajes, Retratos y mujeres
Homayoun Sakhi
Tolo (Sunrise) (2024)
Ludwig van Beethoven
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135
VENUE INFO
|
MATCH , Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston
3400 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 PARKING: MATCH Parking and Directions |
