Collaboration with HGOco

In partnership with HGOco, the Rothko Chapel presents a new chamber opera, part of HGOco’s East + West series. This intimate program will last approximately 30 minutes and be followed by a question and answer session. New Arrivals reflects on Houston’s own Yani Rose Keo and her flight out of Cambodia. As she sits on the plane, she is haunted by the empty seats around her. “How will I survive?” she asks. When a Nepalese farmer, a Nigerian orphan, and a lost boy from the Sudan join Yani on the plane, her desire to help refugees like herself is launched, and they all soar toward a new life in Houston.

The real-life Yani arrived in Houston in 1975 and began working with refugees, finding housing and jobs, enrolling them in school, and helping them overcome culture shock. A Houston Pressarticle once stated, “Yani Rose Keo flies under the radar of most Houstonians. But if you’re a refugee or an Asian-American leader, you know how important she is.”

HGOco is Houston Grand Opera’s unique initiative that explores making opera relevant to its changing audiences by connecting the company with the community through collaboration. HGOco creates opportunities for Houstonians of all ages and backgrounds to observe, participate, and create art.