Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music invites audiences to experience the artistry and collaboration of chamber music as 130 students showcase their talent in the upcoming Fall Chamber Music Festival. This year’s festival features approximately 35 performances of compositions by more than two dozen composers across three days beginning Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m. and concluding Nov. 17. All concerts will be held in Duncan Recital Hall at Alice Pratt Brown Hall and admission is free with no tickets required. Additionally, each performance will be livestreamed.
The festival, a Shepherd School tradition launched in 2005, offers students a unique opportunity to explore and perform repertoire they feel passionate about learning.“
Chamber music is one of the most intimate and powerful musical mediums in classical music. Every player shows their full technical and emotional range in dialogue with their colleagues,” said Norman Fischer, the Herbert S. Autrey Professor of Cello and director of chamber music. “This semester with nine concerts over three days, one can sample the real talent of the piano and string players in the Shepherd School in iconic works starting with the famous Schubert Quintet on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and wrapping it all up with the celebrated Dvořák String Quartet in C Major on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Come hear those and everything in between!”
In addition to Schubert and Dvořák, the festival’s program includes beloved works by composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms alongside pieces by composers whose works have historically been less represented. The repertoire represents the diversity and depth of the chamber music tradition, offering something for every listener.
Beyond the festival, the chamber music program at the Shepherd School is a vital component of the curriculum for instrumental music majors, who may either form their own groups or be assigned to ensembles. Shepherd School faculty members provide intensive weekly coaching to these groups, which include string quartets, piano trios and woodwind and brass ensembles. Each ensemble performs at least one formal recital per semester with additional performance opportunities at other Shepherd School events and throughout Houston.
For a complete list of performances and the most up-to-date information, click here. Performance details are subject to change.