KINGWOOD (November 11, 2026) – Eighty-five members of the Kingwood Chorale joined the Rice University Chorale and the Texas Medical Center Orchestra to perform Beethoven’s iconic Ninth Symphony at the Wortham Theater Center in downtown Houston on October 24.
The Kingwood Chorale, which is LSC-Kingwood’s largest choral ensemble, consists of credit, continuing education, and Academy of Lifelong Learning students.
“Performing Beethoven was truly a once in a life experience and I feel honored to have partaken in it,” said music student Mariana Montalvo. “Singing Beethoven’s 9th symphony felt rigorous and hard but once I had it down, it was extremely fun to do. It felt like a dream come true.”
During the sold-out performance, LSC-Kingwood Music Director Dr. Todd Miller was recognized with the Joy Through Music Award for his contributions to music over the years.
“I am honored and humbled to receive the Joy Through Music Award. Community music is where my heart is and that is one reason I wanted to collaborate with another community-oriented ensemble. That I shared this award with my close friend and colleague Tom Jaber (Rice University music professor) made it that much more special.”
Music student Sofia Galvan Rodriguez said performing Beethoven's 9th Symphony as her first choral performance as an undergraduate music student was nothing short of magnificent.
"I felt the true 'freude (joy) ‘of the piece when performing its Grand Finale alongside the Texas Medical Center Orchestra (TMCO) and Rice Chorale—and of course with being conducted by the wonderfully invigorating Maestra Libi Lebel. It's an experience I'll never forget, and I'm so grateful to have been able to gain it at Lone Star College-Kingwood!"
TMCO Conductor and music director Libi Lebel was equally effusive in her praise of the Kingwood Chorale: “Thank you all for being such an important part of this extraordinary musical journey, for your time and effort, and for sharing your spirit with me and TMCO! Your beautiful singing and enthusiasm helped make our Beethoven Ninth a truly once-in-a-lifetime musical experience!”
For information on upcoming performances featuring the Kingwood Chorale, visit https://www.lhmas.org/kingwood-chorale/.
About Lone Star College System
With 100,000 students and counting, Lone Star College System provides transformational educational opportunities that help individuals get from where they are to where they want to be.
Under Chancellor Mario K. Castillo, J.D., the System’s priorities are guided by its strategic plan, which focuses on financial resilience, academic excellence, talent development and bridges to prosperity. Lone Star College System, recognized as a 2026 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by The Chronicle of Higher Education, has eight main campuses and more than 20 locations in the Houston area. Learn more at LoneStar.edu.
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