In an example of the power of alumni networks and the enduring influence of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, the Traveling Owls embarked on a Paris adventure that included taking a special tour of the Versailles Royal Opera, watching the Paris Opera’s performance of “Salome” and visiting the Rice Global Paris Center. They were also able to take in a performance of the National Orchestra of France, conducted by its music director, Shepherd School alumnus Cristian Măcelaru. Their itinerary included a special behind-the-scenes experience: sitting in on the orchestra’s rehearsal and having lunch with its Grammy Award-winning conductor.
“We have over a dozen people who have come from all over North America,” said Shepherd School Dean Matthew Loden. “To have a chance to actually come to a beautiful city like Paris and hear an incredible orchestra like the National Orchestra of France be led by a Shepherd School Rice alum is really special.”
The Traveling Owls program fosters lifelong learning and connection among Rice alumni. This year’s trip to Paris offered a perfect example, combining cultural immersion with a chance to celebrate the achievements of a fellow Owl, reinforcing the idea that music transcends borders, fostering connections and enriching lives across the globe. It’s a visit that held particular significance for Măcelaru.
“To have people who listen to what I do and to the sounds that we create with the orchestra, it’s actually really valuable to us as musicians,” Măcelaru said. “The fact that they are connected to my past, to who I am and to my alma mater, it just makes it more special.”
He emphasized the inherent relationship in music-making between musicians and audiences.
“For me, music and performing music, it’s all about the connection that you make with the people,” Măcelaru said.
Calling Măcelaru “one of a kind,” Loden praised his exceptional talent and ability to inspire both professional musicians and students.
“He’s able to work with students and talk about music in a way and at a level that I think we're really proud of,” Loden said.
Măcelaru credits the Shepherd School with equipping him with the necessary skills to excel in his career, which has featured numerous major appointments and honors including a 2020 Grammy Award for his work conducting Wynton Marsalis’ violin concerto with Nicola Benedetti and the Philadelphia Orchestra
“The Shepherd School really opened the door for me to study and comprehend what to do to take it to the next level,” he said, acknowledging the profound impact of his time at Rice. “It was so important and so crucial, exactly at the right time in my life. The Shepherd School does this for many, many people year after year.”
The Traveling Owls’ visit coincided with exciting news for Măcelaru. He was recently appointed the new music director for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
“We’re incredibly proud,” said Loden, expressing hope for future collaborations between the Shepherd School and Măcelaru now that he’s returning to North America full time.
The Shepherd School’s 2024-25 season will be announced this summer. Sign up to receive the full lineup via email.