Shepherd School

Senior Spotlight: Sophie Urban ’25

Torn between a conservatory and a university experience, Sophie Urban said she chose Rice for the “best of both worlds”: world-class musical training and a close-knit community.

Leila Josefowicz inspires Shepherd School violinists in master class focused on expression, artistry

Celebrated worldwide for her passionate advocacy of new music and her compelling interpretations of major repertoire, Leila Josefowicz brought that same energy and insight to a spirited session at the Shepherd School

New Art / New Music connects students and audiences at the Moody

This go-round, student composers responded to “Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice,” filling the galleries with sound and giving audiences a different way to experience both the music and the art.

Owls fly high in Austin for first Rice Day at the Capitol

More than 50 Rice University students, faculty and staff visited the Texas Capitol in Austin April 14 for a day of advocacy, connection and celebration of the university’s impact on the state and beyond.

Living legend brings ‘The Ghosts of Versailles’ to life at Shepherd School

Before audience members took their seats for the sold-out performances of “The Ghosts of Versailles” at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music, they were treated to rare, behind-the-scenes insight from famed composer John Corigliano.

Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra welcomes new leader Miguel Harth-Bedoya with ‘New Beginnings’ concert

The concert marks Miguel Harth-Bedoya’s first time conducting the Symphony Orchestra since joining the Shepherd School faculty as distinguished resident director of orchestras and professor of conducting.

Shepherd School’s 50th Anniversary Community Day opens doors through music

The event was an open-to-all free celebration packed with musical performances, interactive activities and hands-on fun for visitors of all ages.

Dedicated arts calendar showcases Rice’s cultural offerings

It’s designed for anyone curious about what’s happening in the arts at Rice, from students and faculty to Houston-area residents and visitors.

A haunted, hilarious, heartfelt spectacle: Shepherd School opera to present ‘The Ghosts of Versailles’

Every single vocalist in the Shepherd School’s opera program has a named role in the performances scheduled for April 11 and 13.

Richard Brown helped Rice blaze new trail as ‘one of original architects’ of Shepherd School of Music

The founding faculty member of the Shepherd School died March 14 at his home in Houston.

Shepherd School’s free Spring Chamber Music Festival features nearly 120 students performing works by 16 composers

This spring’s festival features 24 performances of chamber works by 16 different composers including Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Bartók.

Shepherd School students bringing mobile concert to Eldorado Ballroom

The Concert Truck is a mobile stage designed to bring classical music into everyday spaces.

Shepherd School alum Luke Sutliff wins Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition

Sutliff was named one of five winners by a distinguished panel of judges, earning a $20,000 cash prize as well as career-defining exposure and networking opportunities.

Houston Symphony premieres Karim Al-Zand’s ‘Al-Jazari’s Ingenious Clocks’

The piece was part of the “Korngold’s Violin Concerto & Cinderella” program, which explored the connections between storytelling and sound.

Opera comes to life in ‘Ryan McKinny & Friends’ recital at Shepherd School

A world-class bass-baritone. A showcase of rising vocal talent. A program spanning Wagner to Jake Heggie.