University of Southern California

The USC Thornton Opera, together with the USC Thornton Symphony, presents Dominick Argento's Postcard from Morocco, a vivid and often absurd portrait of travelers frozen in time as they wait for their lives’ journey to continue. USC School of Dramatic Arts faculty member John DeMita directs the one-act opera, while musical director Brent McMunn conducts.

As part of a three-day festival, USC Thornton’s Winds & Percussion students present an afternoon of chamber music under the direction of Kristy Morrell. FESTIVAL SCHEDULE: Winds & Percussion - Mon., Apr. 23 at 4:30PM Vocal Arts - Tue., Apr. 24 at 5:30PM Strings - Tue., Apr. 24 at 7:30PM Strings - Wed., Apr. 25 at 5PM & 7:30PM

Students from Thornton's jazz programs showcase contemporary jazz works at Carson Center. SPRING SCHEDULE: Thurs, Feb. 15 at 8PM - Feat. USC Thornton Concert Jazz Orchestra Thurs, Feb. 22 at 8PM Thurs, Mar. 1 at 8PM - Feat. ALAJE Thurs, Mar. 8 at 8PM Mon, Mar. 19 at 7:30PM Thurs, Mar. 22 at 8PM Thurs, Mar. 29 at 8PM - Feat. USC Thornton Jazz Honors Combo Thurs, Apr. 12 at 8PM - Feat. USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra Thurs, Apr. 19 at 8PM - Feat. CreSCendo Mon, Apr. 23 at 7:30PM

As part of a three-day festival, Vocal Arts students collaborate with student instrumentalists in repertoire from the Classical Era to the 21st century under the direction of Lisa Sylvester. FESTIVAL SCHEDULE: Winds & Percussion - Mon., Apr. 23 at 4:30PM Vocal Arts - Tue., Apr. 24 at 5:30PM Strings - Tue., Apr. 24 at 7:30PM Strings - Wed., Apr. 25 at 5PM & 7:30PM

As the culmination of a three-day festival, USC Thornton's Strings students present chamber music repertoire from the Classical Era to the 21st century under the direction of Karen Dreyfus. FESTIVAL SCHEDULE: Winds & Percussion - Mon., Apr. 23 at 4:30PM Vocal Arts - Tue., Apr. 24 at 5:30PM Strings - Tue., Apr. 24 at 7:30PM Strings - Wed., Apr. 25 at 5PM & 7:30PM

Led by professors Andy Abad and Patrice Rushen, first-year Popular Music program students explore the foundations of their craft in this showcase event. POPULAR MUSIC SHOWCASES: First Year - Wed., Feb. 28 at 8PM - Tommy's Place Second Year - Fri., Mar. 2 at 8PM - Carson Center First Year - Wed., Apr. 25 at 8PM - Tommy's Place Second Year - Fri., Apr. 27 at 8PM - Carson Center Third Year - Sat., Apr. 28 at 7:30PM - Carson Center Senior Showcase - TBD

Paul O’Dette, renowned lutenist, conductor, and musicologist, visits USC Thornton for a masterclass on early music and classical guitar performance.

Selected student finalists from the Keyboard Studies department perform before a panel of guest adjudicators in this popular competition finale.

The USC Thornton Baroque Sinfonia, led by Adam Knight Gilbert, presents a concert of German Baroque music by Dieterich Buxtehude, Heinrich Biber, Johann Pezel, Georg Philip Telemann, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

Sean Holt leads second-year Popular Music students in this showcase, focusing on stylistic nuance, groove, and ensemble technique. POPULAR MUSIC SHOWCASES: First Year - Wed., Feb. 28 at 8PM - Tommy's Place Second Year - Fri., Mar. 2 at 8PM - Carson Center First Year - Wed., Apr. 25 at 8PM - Tommy's Place Second Year - Fri., Apr. 27 at 8PM - Carson Center Third Year - Sat., Apr. 28 at 7:30PM - Carson Center Senior Showcase - TBD

Third-year Popular Music students present original music written, arranged, and performed under the direction of professors Patrice Rushen and Richard Smith. POPULAR MUSIC SHOWCASES: First Year - Wed., Feb. 28 at 8PM - Tommy's Place Second Year - Fri., Mar. 2 at 8PM - Carson Center First Year - Wed., Apr. 25 at 8PM - Tommy's Place Second Year - Fri., Apr. 27 at 8PM - Carson Center Third Year - Sat., Apr. 28 at 7:30PM - Carson Center Senior Showcase - TBD

Always a popular event, this competition performance brings selected student finalists from the Strings department before a panel of guest adjudicators.