Shepherd School of Music at Rice University Announces Programming for 50th Anniversary Season
By Afton MarkayThe Shepherd School of Music at Rice University unveils its 2025-26 season.
This article only features classical voice events.
Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” is directed by R.B. Schlather. Louis Lohraseb conducts the Shepherd School Chamber Orchestra.
Performance Dates: October 31 & November 2, 2025
The 50th anniversary celebration gala features mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke (BM ’04) and the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra. Cooke performs the premiere of a movement from “Another Starry Night,” a song cycle by Shepherd’s Chair of Composition and Theory, Pierre Jalbert, commissioned for the 50th anniversary. The full cycle will be premiered in the 2026-27 season. Miguel Harth-Bedoya conducts.
Performance Date: November 8, 2025
The Rice Chorale performs under the baton of Thomas Jaber.
Performance Dates: November 24, 2025
The world premiere of Karim Al-Zand’s “A Joint Interest” (Shepherd School of Music 50th Anniversary Commission) is directed Aleko Endowed Artist Paul Curran and conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya. Shepherd opera students will also perform scenes from contemporary American operas, accompanied by piano.
Performance Date: February 1, 2026
Thomas Jaber directs the Rice Chorale.
Performance Date: April 13, 2026
Verdi’s “Falstaff” is directed by Matt Hune. Miguel Harth-Bedoya conducts the Shepherd School Chamber Orchestra.
Performance Dates: April 17, 19, & 21, 2026
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