Shepherd School alumni and faculty featured in leading US opera companies’ new seasons
Shepherd School of Music will command a significant presence on the nation’s leading opera stages in the 2026-27 season, including Houston Grand Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera and LA Opera.
Shepherd School alumni claim 3 of 6 top prizes at Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition
The accomplishment is particularly striking because each of the school’s three voice studios is represented by the winners.
Shepherd School spotlight: Rising soloists take center stage in upcoming concerts
This spring, two orchestral concerts offer the Houston community a chance to hear Shepherd School students' work come fully to life.
Shepherd School orchestras draw dedicated audiences for weekend of premieres and classics
Despite stormy weather across Houston, audiences filled Stude Concert Hall at Alice Pratt Brown Hall for a weekend of orchestral performances.
Young audiences explore orchestra at Shepherd School Family Concert
The sold-out performance drew a full house of returning attendees and families experiencing a Shepherd School concert for the first time.
Shepherd School violinist to represent Houston, Texas at Miss Chinatown USA Pageant
Martono, a second-year master’s student in violin performance, won the title of Miss Chinatown Houston 2025, her first-ever pageant.
Distinguished visiting artist Măcelaru reconnects with Shepherd School roots
The role brings Cristian Măcelaru ’06 ’08 back to campus several times each year to coach, conduct and mentor students across departments.
Shepherd School orchestras to spotlight new works, milestone commission in March concerts
Two orchestral concerts March 7-8 will feature guest composer Nina C. Young and the world premiere of Arthur Gottschalk’s 50th anniversary commission.
Wyrczynski, Kam appointed professors of viola at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music beginning fall 2027
The new hires represent the beginning of a new era for the Shepherd School’s viola program as longtime professors Ivo-Jan van der Werff and James Dunham are retiring this spring and spring 2027, respectively.
Houston families invited to explore orchestra at Shepherd School’s Family Concert
Designed especially for children and first-time concertgoers, the hourlong performance centers on Benjamin Britten’s beloved “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra."
Farwell remembered as guiding force for generations of singers at Shepherd School
Joyce Farwell, professor emerita of voice, passed away Jan. 21 in Waco, Texas.
Latitude 49 to perform free guest artist recital at Shepherd School
Blending the finesse of a classical ensemble with the drive and precision of a finely tuned rock band, Latitude 49 has been energizing audiences with new music since its founding in 2012.
‘Inside Look’ brings students, faculty, audience into making of modern opera
Led by stage director and Aleko Endowed Artist Paul Curran, the program featured the world premiere of “A Joint Interest,” a 50th anniversary commission by Karim Al-Zand.
Shepherd School ticket sales for historic production of Verdi’s ‘Falstaff’ open Feb. 6
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 17, 2 p.m. April 19 with an added third performance at 7:30 p.m. April 21.
Shepherd School alumni claim Grammy wins for opera, chamber music recordings
The wins add to a growing list of national recognitions for Shepherd School alumni across multiple Grammy categories and musical disciplines.
