Delving into realms both celestial and terrestrial, Rice University’s Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra presents “A Constellation of Sounds & Stories” in Stude Concert Hall at Alice Pratt Brown Hall at 7:30 p.m. April 19. This final performance of the 2023-24 season promises to be an evening of musical exploration under the baton of six-time Grammy Award-winning music director of the Nashville Symphony Giancarlo Guerrero, featuring the talents of clarinetist Najee Greenlee. The performance will also be livestreamed for free on the Shepherd School of Music’s website.
This concert will traverse diverse musical landscapes from the depths of outer space to the allure of a 1940s jazz club and the enchanting tales from “Scheherazade” inspired by “One Thousand and One Nights.” The program showcases a repertoire that includes alumna Caroline Shaw’s ethereal composition “The Observatory,” inspired by the composer’s fascination with science fiction and the breathtaking vistas from Los Angeles’ Griffith Observatory.
Greenlee, winner of the 2023 Shepherd School of Music Concerto Competition and sophomore student of Richie Hawley, will perform Aaron Copland’s “Clarinet Concerto.” Originally penned for Benny Goodman, Copland’s concerto seamlessly blends lyrical beauty with toe-tapping jazz, culminating in a “Rhapsody in Blue”-style glissando.
Greenlee first started working on the piece in September 2022.
“After building up the piece to be able to perform it at a high level, I am going back to look at it with a magnifying glass to bring things to their very best,” Greenlee said.
He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with his peers at the Shepherd School.
“There are a lot of familiar faces and friends in the ensemble and orchestra,” Greenlee said. “I feel really grateful to be working with everyone. Every time I have the opportunity to go and rehearse, I think, ‘I get to do this again?!’”
Guerrero will wrap up the evening by leading the orchestra through the evocative tapestry of Rimsky-Korsakov’s beloved “Scheherazade.” Guerrero’s charismatic conducting style coupled with his meticulous attention to detail promises a performance that is at once vigorous, passionate and nuanced.
Guerrero’s dedication to championing the works of American composers is evident in his extensive repertoire, which includes collaborations with prominent artists and orchestras worldwide.
Audience members are invited to stay for a post-concert chat with Guerrero, Greenlee and Matthew Loden, dean of the Shepherd School of Music.
Click here to secure pay-what-you-wish tickets for this event.