Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music filled Morrison Theater with holiday cheer Dec. 7 during its annual “Spirit of the Season” concert. The sold-out event delivered a blend of festive classics, operatic highlights and Broadway charm. From the soaring drama of Verdi’s “La Traviata” to the heartwarming final medley arranged by acclaimed Broadway music director Andy Einhorn ’04 featuring “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “White Christmas,” every moment showcased the Shepherd School’s extraordinary talent.
The program highlighted a variety of ensembles and performers. Operatic selections included “Au fond du temple saint” from Bizet’s “The Pearl Fishers,” while “La Traviata” dazzled with its dramatic opening through the rousing “Brindisi.” A harp quartet’s renditions of “What Child Is This” and “Carol of the Bells” followed a string quartet’s performance of “Scherzo” from Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 4, leading to a brass quintet’s playful touch with Jan Koetsier’s “Grosses Finale” from “Kinderzirkus.” Broadway moments, such as Edmond Rodriguez’ delivery of “Being Alive” from “Company” and Catherine Creed’s “Vanilla Ice Cream,” added an engaging flair to an evening that concluded with the Einhorn-arranged group finale.
