“Music might be called my life’s work, finding fruition in the Shepherd School.”
—Sallie Shepherd Perkins
From humble beginnings to the opening of a dedicated music school in 1975, the Shepherd School of Music’s unique past gave rise to a space truly special and unique—one where the world’s brightest musical talents can combine a world-class conservatory experience with the limitless opportunity of a leading research university.
Above all, Shepherd has been, and continues to be, defined by its people and by its place, connecting outstanding young artists with preeminent faculty, dedicated alumni, and our beloved Houston community.
In this 50th Anniversary year, join us as we look back on a storied past, celebrate our vibrant present, and look forward to a bright future.
50th Anniversary Gala
A once-in-a-lifetime celebration hosted at the Shepherd School of Music.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
6:00 Cocktails | 7:00 Performance | 8:15 Dinner
Secure your table reservation
Co-chairs: Anne and Albert Chao, Isabel and Danny David
Underwriting chairs: Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan
50th Anniversary Commissions
Music is a living, breathing, ever-expanding art form, and the music created in our time is a powerful reflection of who we are. In this exciting multi-year initiative, we’ll unveil seven brand-new works by seven different Shepherd School of Music composition faculty members—each with a unique and powerful story to tell.
Special thanks to Rice University's Office of Research for its support of these commissions.
This Season 2024-25
Shih-Hui Chen
Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 7:00pm Wortham Theater
View a video clip from the world premiere performance in October
The premiere of "The Birds Are Real; Ambush From Ten Directions" - an evening of music, light and shadow puppetry. Featuring Shepherd School faculty members Brian Connelly and Matthew Strauss and guest artists Ding-Yun Huang (director), Chia-Wei Chen (visual artist) and Tung-Hua Puppet Theater.
Richard Lavenda
Thu, Jan 16, 2025 at 7:30pm Duncan Recital Hall
Hear from Richard Lavenda directly about the world premiere
“Upon Further Reflection," written for two vocalists and chamber ensemble, exemplifies Lavenda’s lifelong relationship with the Shepherd School. Featuring Shepherd School faculty members Thomas Jaber, Marianne Gedigian, Benjamin Kamins, and James Dunham, plus alumni and current students.
Next Season 2025-26
Karim Al-Zand
A new work to be announced
Anthony Brandt
A concerto for cello and chamber orchestra, to be performed by Shepherd School faculty member Norman Fischer
Arthur Gottschalk
A concerto for piano and chamber orchestra performed by Milton Laufer, Shepherd alumnus and Director of the Syracuse University School of Music
Pierre Jalbert
A new piece for mezzo-soprano and orchestra
Kurt Stallmann
A new multi-media collaborative work, The Fruit and the Work, co-created with poet and Rice University English Professor Joseph Campana, addressing the historical and evolving relationship between humans and honey bees. Includes live poetry, a small chorus, instrumentalists, live electronics, projections, and theatrical lighting.
50th Anniversary Community Day
On March 29, 2025, we welcomed hundreds of families for our 50th Anniversary Community Day, an open-to-all free celebration packed with musical performances, interactive activities and hands-on fun for visitors of all ages.
The day began with a sold-out family concert featuring Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya, and narrated in English and Spanish. After the concert, guests enjoyed over 20 performances and activities across the school, from intimate recital venues in Alice Pratt Brown Hall to backstage of Brockman Hall for Opera.
Shepherd Alumni Party on the Piazza
On November 2, 2024, we welcomed back Shepherd School alumni to enjoy BBQ bites and brews while reconnecting with Shepherd School friends and faculty members.