The Campanile Orchestra at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music will perform its fall concert Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. in Stude Concert Hall at Alice Pratt Brown Hall. The performance conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya with associate conductors Ana Spasovska and Kyle Haake will feature works by Wagner, John Williams, Brahms and more.
“Campanile Orchestra to me is a window from within Shepherd School of Music and looking out into the Rice campus — or perhaps it’s an open door for the rest of campus to come every single week and make music,” said Miguel Harth-Bedoya, distinguished resident director of orchestras and professor of conducting.
The Campanile Orchestra is one of Rice’s most distinctive musical ensembles — a full symphony orchestra composed almost entirely of non-music majors. Its 85 members include students from across the university, from engineers and biologists to economists and future physicians, all united by their love of music.
“It's a course for which they get credit, but more importantly, they become a musical community and we perform,” Harth-Bedoya said.
It’s also an opportunity for Spasovska and Haake, who are both pursuing graduate studies in orchestral conducting at the Shepherd School.
For Haake, this semester’s concert carries special meaning.
“It will be my first ever appearance as a conductor,” Haake said. “Seeing this orchestra grow since our first rehearsal back in August to where they are now — they’re incredible.”
Harth-Bedoya said the ensemble’s success is rooted in its members’ shared love of music and willingness to work hard. He added that the students’ passion ensures that the future of music remains bright.
“The reason those students are there is because they love music,” Harth-Bedoya said. “If it's in you from the very beginning of your time on earth, that will remain part of you forever.”
The Campanile Orchestra fall concert is free to attend, but tickets are required. You can find more information here.