Grammy-winning conductor and alumnus Cristian Măcelaru ’06 ’08 is returning to Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music for two upcoming performances, marking his first visit since being named distinguished visiting artist. He will lead the Shepherd School Chamber Orchestra Feb. 20 and the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra Feb. 22 in concerts showcasing French and Romantic masterworks. Both performances will take place in Stude Concert Hall at Alice Pratt Brown Hall with pay-what-you-wish ticketing. Livestreams will be available here for those unable to attend in person.
“The Shepherd School was such a big part of my life,” Măcelaru said. “Perhaps the most important thing that I learned when I was here as a student was how important excellence is in everything that we do.”
Măcelaru earned two master’s degrees from the Shepherd School — one for violin performance in 2006 and another for conducting in 2008. Since then he has established an international career as a conductor, currently serving as music director designate of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, music director of the Orchestre National de France and chief conductor of the WDR Symphony Orchestra in Cologne, Germany, among other appointments. He will begin his role as distinguished visiting artist at the Shepherd School in the 2025-26 academic year and continue in 2026-27, creating opportunities for students to learn from his vast experience on a recurring basis. In his annual residencies, Măcelaru will collaborate with Miguel Harth-Bedoya, distinguished resident director of orchestras, on various activities, including coaching ensembles, judging competitions, workshopping new compositions, guiding mock auditions and mentoring students.
“It’s wonderful to have this role,” Măcelaru said. “It means that I will be on campus with some regularity and will be able to contribute to the growth of the students here.”
The Feb. 20 concert titled “French Impressions” will feature the Shepherd School Chamber Orchestra performing Louise Farrenc’s Overture No. 1, Georges Bizet’s Symphony No. 1 and Maurice Ravel’s “Le Tombeau de Couperin.” The program highlights the rich orchestral colors of French composers and showcases the dramatic energy of Farrenc, a pioneering 19th-century female composer.
Then Feb. 22, Măcelaru will lead the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra in “Romantic Rachmaninoff,” a program featuring Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 and George Enescu’s “Romanian Rhapsody No. 1.” The concert celebrates the lush melodies and emotional depth of Rachmaninoff alongside the vibrant folk influences of Enescu, a composer with deep personal significance for Măcelaru, who is Romanian-born.
“I’m so excited to be able to connect on a deeper level with the students,” Măcelaru said. “I love working with young people because this is such an important time in their life when they get to shape who they become.”
Tickets for both concerts are required and can be reserved here.