2024 Shepherd School Concerto Competition winner Anne Pinkerton (oboe)
Rice University’s Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra will shine the spotlight on two exceptional musicians during the upcoming “Virtuoso Spotlight” set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 in Stude Concert Hall at Alice Pratt Brown Hall. This special event features current student Anne Pinkerton and 2024 graduate Dana Rath, both winners of the 2024 Shepherd School Concerto Competition, as they perform works that have been pivotal in their musical journeys. Jerry Hou, artist teacher of orchestras and ensembles, will lead the orchestra with tickets available through pay-as-you-wish pricing beginning at $0.
Pinkerton, whose grandparents encouraged her to first pick up the oboe in fifth grade, will take the stage with a work that for her has been a long time in the making — Marco Aurélio Yano’s Oboe Concerto. Composed in 1991, the concerto is known for its intricate interplay between lush melodies and Brazilian rhythms. Pinkerton’s journey with this piece has spanned years, and she said she’s excited to present it in its entirety with the full orchestra.
“I loved what it makes possible for the oboe,” said Pinkerton, a second-year master’s student studying under Robert Atherholt. “There’s some beautiful lyrical melodies, and then there’s just some really crazy technical passages.”
Pinkerton said her connection to the Yano concerto is deeply personal as she has long admired its musical depth and challenging passages.
“It’s a really difficult piece but really, really rewarding once you actually figure out how to play it,” Pinkerton said.
Yano, who faced significant health challenges before his passing in 1991 at age 27, infused the concerto with themes of resilience and hope.
“It speaks to Yano’s struggles with his disability,” Pinkerton said. “Then the third movement is a celebration of his life.”
For concert information, click here: https://music.rice.edu/events
