From its inception in 1975, the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University has emphasized orchestral training as a central element in its performing curriculum. The orchestral program is comprised of a Symphony Orchestra of one hundred-plus music students and a Chamber Orchestra of some fifty music students. Both orchestras are of equal caliber, differentiated only by the repertoire they perform.
Players rehearse three times each week, attend classes in orchestral repertoire, and benefit from sectionals with our experienced orchestral faculty.
Works performed in the 2024–2025 season by the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra include Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”, Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4, Ferrenc’s Overture No. 1, Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra, Joel Thompson’s To See the Sky, Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Mozart’s Symphony No. 39, Chen Yi’s Duo Ye No. 2, Brahms’ Symphony No. 3, Christopher Theofanidis’ O Vis Aeternitatis, Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2, Joan Tower’s Copperwave, Ravel’s La valse, Gabriela Ortiz’s Antrópolis, and Elgar’s Enigma Variations. Additionally, various concertos performed by student concerto competition winners, works by student composers, operas, and contemporary ensemble works were featured throughout the season.
The Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra has a history of touring, including visits to New York City’s Carnegie Hall and Baltimore’s Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
Performance Calendars & Repertoire
Conductors
Miguel Harth-Bedoya , Distinguished Resident Director Designate of Orchestras, Professor of Conducting
Jerry Hou , Artist Teacher of Orchestras and Ensembles
Administrative Staff
Alan Austin , Orchestra Manager
Stephen Bachicha , Orchestra Librarian
Miguel Harth-Bedoya Named Distinguished Resident Director of Orchestras and Professor of Conducting
Acclaimed conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya joins the Shepherd School as Distinguished Resident Director of Orchestras and Professor of Conducting. An Emmy award winner and Grammy-nominated artist, Harth-Bedoya has led ensembles worldwide, including the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, where he remains music director laureate.
In his new role, Harth-Bedoya will lead the orchestral program and train the next generation of conductors, continuing the legacy of the late Larry Rachleff. With a fervent commitment to nurturing young artistry and a track record of impactful leadership roles worldwide, Harth-Bedoya brings a unique and internationally recognized artistic vision and pedagogy to the institution. He joins the Shepherd School faculty after serving as Director of Orchestral Studies at Baylor University.