Rice University's Shepherd School of Music Welcomes New Viola Professors

Ori Kam and Stephen Wyrczynski to join faculty, continuing legacy of excellence

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University is set to welcome two new viola professors, Ori Kam and Stephen Wyrczynski, beginning in the fall of 2027. This transition marks the retirement of esteemed professors Ivo-Jan van der Werff and James Dunham, who have left a lasting impact on the school's viola program. During the 2026-27 academic year, Joan DerHovsepian, principal viola of the Houston Symphony, will serve as professor in the practice to ensure continuity for current students.

Why it matters

The arrival of Kam and Wyrczynski signals a continuation of the Shepherd School's commitment to providing exceptional viola instruction. Students will benefit from the combined expertise of two internationally recognized violists, each with a distinct performance and teaching background, offering a rich learning environment and preparing them for successful careers in performance and teaching.

The details

Kam, currently a professor at the Kunst-Universität Graz in Austria, previously taught at the University of Geneva for 13 years. He is celebrated for his 15-year membership in the Jerusalem String Quartet and his founding of the Israel Chamber Music Society. Wyrczynski brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music since 2010, alongside an 18-year career as a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He has also held teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as the Curtis Institute of Music and the Aspen Music Festival and School.

  • Ivo-Jan van der Werff will retire in spring 2026.
  • James Dunham will retire in spring 2027.
  • Joan DerHovsepian will serve as professor in the practice for viola in 2026-27.
  • Ori Kam and Stephen Wyrczynski will join the faculty in fall 2027.

The players

Ori Kam

A professor at the Kunst-Universität Graz in Austria, he previously taught at the University of Geneva for 13 years. He is celebrated for his 15-year membership in the Jerusalem String Quartet and his founding of the Israel Chamber Music Society.

Stephen Wyrczynski

He has taught at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music since 2010 and had an 18-year career as a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He has also held teaching positions at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Ivo-Jan van der Werff

A longtime, highly respected professor at the Shepherd School of Music who is retiring in spring 2026.

James Dunham

A longtime, highly respected professor at the Shepherd School of Music who is retiring in spring 2027.

Joan DerHovsepian

The principal viola of the Houston Symphony, she will serve as professor in the practice for viola in the 2026-27 academic year.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.