Brandi Smith

Moody Center for the Arts named city’s best free museum by Houston Press

Houston Press selected the Moody Center for the Arts at Rice the Best Free Museum in Houston in its Best of Houston® 2024.

Erin Hannigan to succeed Robert Atherholt as professor of oboe at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music

The Shepherd School of Music at Rice is proud to announce the appointment of Erin Hannigan as its new professor of oboe, starting July 1, 2025.

‘Incredibly inspiring’: Shepherd School students learn from violin master James Ehnes

Violinist James Ehnes, one of the most sought-after musicians on the international stage, recently led a master class for students at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music.

Shepherd School director of orchestras Miguel Harth-Bedoya makes Met debut

Miguel Harth-Bedoya, the distinguished resident director of orchestras and professor of conducting designate at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music, made his debut at The Metropolitan Opera Oct. 15 with Osvaldo Golijov’s “Ainadamar.”

Rice’s Program in Politics, Law and Social Thought tackles ‘truly foundational questions’

It started with an idea jotted down on a napkin at a bar in the Houston Heights in 2014, but the Program in Politics, Law and Social Thought at Rice has evolved into the most popular minor offered in the School of Humanities.

Rice's new ‘forward-thinking’ art installation highlights climate change through voices of activists, scholars and scientists

Rice’s O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science now houses an immersive public art installation titled “Climate Parliament,” a thought-provoking work by Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.

‘The opportunity to be valuable’: Rice Philosophy alumni prove the power of critical thinking across professions

A philosophy degree offers more than just an exploration of life’s big questions — it equips students with critical thinking and communication skills that are valuable in virtually any profession.

Contemporary music takes center stage at Shepherd School’s October concerts

Two upcoming concerts at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music offer Houston audiences an opportunity to engage with the works of two modern composers while providing students the rare chance to collaborate with these musical innovators.

‘A large responsibility’: Shepherd School alum directs and composes award-winning Morgan Freeman-produced documentary

Seth Ward, who earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Rice’s Shepherd School of Music in 2006, has achieved a significant career milestone by directing and composing the score for “Odysseus Returns."

‘We all carry stories with us’: New Moody Project Wall installation reflects evolution of storytelling

On a series of September Saturdays, the Flex Studio at Rice’s Moody Center for the Arts buzzed with creative energy.

Celebrated Rice professor and historian Edward Cox passes away at 81

A beloved educator, mentor and scholar, Edward Cox left an indelible mark on Rice and the many students he guided over his 27-year tenure.

Rice to host ‘Historical Perspectives on the 2024 Presidential Election’ featuring Douglas Brinkley and Caleb McDaniel

Two of America’s most esteemed historians will offer unique insights into the 2024 presidential election at Rice’s School of Humanities just two weeks before voters cast their ballots.

‘Future of music’: Rice’s Shepherd School celebrates 50 years with new commissions

“Birds Are Real; Ambushed From Ten Directions,” a composition by Shih-Hui Chen, will make its world premiere Oct. 16 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration for Rice’s Shepherd School of Music.

Xicana scholar Cherríe Moraga reflects on colonization, family and identity at Rice

Weaving together reflections on colonization and her family’s experiences in California, Cherríe Moraga recounted how over centuries the violence of colonization has shaped the state and its people in her new piece, “They Are Falling All Around Me — A Borderless América Reimagined.”

Mia X becomes first woman inducted into Rice’s Hip Hop Archival Collection

Mia X, known as the “Mother of Southern Hip-Hop,” made history once again by becoming the first woman inducted into Rice's Hip Hop Archival Collection Sept. 18.