Two Thumbs Up

The Maggini String Orchestra put on a wonderful performance Friday night at the Hobby Center in Houston. Conducted by Marlon Chen, this ensemble of 11 string musicians strung out a variety of music from Mozart, Shubert, Sinfonie Concertante, to String Quartet. It was music to the ears; a spectacular performance!

"Music is a human spirit, representing the idea of humanity. Through music one can enrich one's life."

Maggini String Orchestra

Maggini, a new string ensemble headed by present and former Rice University musicians, gives the music community a new perspective. Maggini's modern-instrument sound was full yet pliable throughout last year's performance here in Houston. Conductor, Marlon Chen, added zip to energetic passages but gave players the freedom for more flexible phrasing during introspective music. Maggini comprises 11 string players. Many are based on the West Coast; some are past or present students at Rice's Shepherd School of Music.

Conductor Marlon Chen Profile

"An experienced conductor and a deeply sensitive musician, American Marlon Chen brings a rich ambience to each and every performance" PWD Management

Equally as proficient with opera as he is with the symphony, Marlon Chen frequently demonstrates his mastery of repertoire; the great symphonies of Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann and Tchaikovsky or indeed operas by Bizet, Rossini, Mozart and Wagner. He is the Musical Directory of Houston based Maggini ensemble. Other performances included Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony in San Antonio, Texas, Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana in Houston, Rossini's La Cenerentola in Siena, Italy and Puccini's Madama Butterfly in London. Mr. Chen was recently appointed the position of Resident Conductor of European Opera and shall frequently visit all 25 European states.