Whether its pulling together a small choir for Queen, or a 15-piece string section for Elton John, or a sitar player for The Beatles, we do everything we can to recreate these classics as true to the original as possible.
TRO is honored to work with the very talented pool of musicians this area has to offer. To that end, we've cultivated an impressive roster of musicians that rotate through, depending on the show. This provides an opportunity for many musicians to participate in TRO, and for them meet and perform with musicians they may not otherwise get to play with.
Now in our 9th season, we hope to be celebrating popular music for generations to come.
ABOUT
THE ROCK ORCHESTRA
ABOUT
THE ROCK ORCHESTRA
In 2017, we had an interesting idea: What if we started a tribute band, but instead of paying tribute to one single group, we did as many groups as possible? Create a season of programming, much in the same way theater companies or the symphony does. To promote and perform a series of shows that we could market all year long.
And The Rock Orchestra was born.
Founded by musicians Joe Trainor and Matt Urban, the first season kicked off in 2017 at The Queen Theater with an evening of The Beatles in the fall, Bruce Springsteen in the winter, and Peter Gabriel in the spring.
The following year, TRO moved to The Grand Opera House, where they join The Delaware Symphony Orchestra, First State Ballet, and Opera Delaware as artistic partners. Now in its ninth season, TRO has delighted fans of artists like R.E.M., Genesis, Jethro Tull, INXS, Chicago, Queen, and The Who...just to name a few.
The Rock Orchestra doesn't dress up. The primary focus has always been the music, not the image or the caricature. We see ourselves as leading the ultimate sing-a-long by fans for fans to celebrate the history and legacy of the artists we admire. And we pull out all the stops.
MATT URBAN
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Matt Urban (drums) is a goddamned king among men. He also likes to do funny dances at Phish concerts and is honestly just a nerd.
JOE TRAINOR
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Joe Trainor (vocals, piano) has a long history in the regional arts scene as a member of the Joe Trainor Trio and the Music Director for City Theater Company.
MATT URBAN
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Matt Urban (drums) is an active supporter of Delaware's arts community. In addition to performing with The Rock Orchestra and Echoes: The American Pink Floyd, he serves as house photographer for Delaware Theatre Company and chairs the Light Up the Queen Foundation's Community Reinvestment Committee, supporting music education programs for local youth.
THE PEOPLE OF THE ROCK ORCHESTRA
Matt Urban (drums) is an active supporter of Delaware's arts community. In addition to performing with The Rock Orchestra and Echoes: The American Pink Floyd, he serves as house photographer for Delaware Theatre Company and chairs the Light Up the Queen Foundation's Community Reinvestment Committee, supporting music education programs for local youth.
MATT URBAN
MANAGING DIRECTOR