The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will host its fall 2025 Chamber Music Festival Nov. 14-16, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in three days of inspired performance and creative partnership. The seven-concert festival showcases the artistry of Shepherd School students as they bring to life chamber works that span centuries, styles and emotions.
Now entering its third decade, the festival remains a cornerstone of the Shepherd School’s performance calendar. It was established by Norman Fischer, the Herbert S. Autrey Professor of Cello and chair of chamber music, to help students experience the collaborative essence of chamber music.
“Chamber music is kind of a hidden treasure,” Fischer said. “The students who understand what it’s about and have had great experiences with it are generally rabid and want it — especially string players, because the works are so tremendous. But there are many who have never had that kind of chamber music experience and just see it as a requirement. So behind the scenes, we’re trying to get them infected with enthusiasm and joy. That’s what led me to start the festival.”
Each semester’s unique blend of masterpieces and core repertoire deepens musical understanding and encourages exploration, helping students expand their chamber music skill set. This fall, the opening concert Friday night will feature three performances with faculty sitting in with students: James Dunham, the Joseph and Ida Kirkland Mullen Professor of Viola, will perform Haydn’s String Quartet in C major; Fischer will perform Mozart’s String Quartet in F major; and cello professor Valentin Radutiu will perform Suk’s Piano Trio in C minor.
The festival also reflects the Shepherd School’s broader mission of connecting education and performance through experience. Students not only refine technique but also develop empathy and leadership within the ensemble setting.
“Studying different styles and discovering what makes these pieces great is a tremendous educational tool,” Fischer said. “It helps students learn how to dig into the score and find out what really makes it come alive.”
All concerts will take place in Duncan Recital Hall at Alice Pratt Brown Hall. Admission is free with no tickets required, and performances will also be livestreamed. Concert times may change as the festival approaches.