At Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, we cultivate the mastery of musical performance, combining a conservatory experience with the educational opportunities of a leading research university. Guided by the belief that talent manifests along unique paths, we limit our student body to 290 uniquely gifted young musicians.
Can tragic opera and slapstick comedy coexist? When a wealthy patron demands both genres be performed simultaneously, backstage egos collide and artistic tempers flare. Richard Strauss’s brilliant masterpiece offers a witty look at the clashing personalities—from the lovelorn heroine Ariadne to the feisty Zerbinetta—who turn theatrical chaos into art. Pairing soaring vocals with opulent melodies, this inventive "opera-within-an-opera" proves that even pandemonium can lead to something truly transcendent.
Shepherd School Opera students perform selections from Wagner's Das Rheingold, performed with piano on the Morrison Theater stage. 2024-25 Aleko Endowed Artists Tonya and Ryan McKinny will be stage directing the scenes, deconstructing them for the audience, and coaching the students through the scenes in real time.
Event Type Opera
Language Performed German
Contributors
Garrett Reider
Fafner
Feb 08, 2025
1 Tag
Dates
8
Feb, 25
Opera Scenes Masterclass with Ryan and Tonya McKinny
A daring Prince, a beautiful Princess, and an evil Queen–a fairy tale love story with unimaginable trials along the way. Mozart’s final opera, The Magic Flute, contains some of opera’s most memorable melodies and roles, including The Queen of the Night and her famous high notes! Sorcery, a dragon, and long-held secrets challenge our hero and heroine on their quest for wisdom and enlightenment.
The Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra premieres Berko’s thesis, Beat Rice University. The work was awarded Rice’s Cooper Prize and is being performed on a subscription concert.