NoSo receives multiple Libera Award nominations
NoSo—USC Thornton popular music program alum Baek Hwong (BM ‘19)—was named a final nominee in the A2IM Libera Awards for Video of the Year with their track “Parasites” from the 2022 album “Stay Proud of Me.” Their album received a separate nomination in the Best Pop Record category. The Libera Awards were first established in… Continue reading NoSo receives multiple Libera Award nominations
Lyndia Johnson named honoree of USC Faculty and Staff Recognition Program by University Club
USC Thornton popular music program faculty member Lyndia Johnson has been selected as an honoree of the Amy King Dundon-Berchtold University Club of USC Faculty and Staff Recognition Program. She was recognized for her exemplary service at an awards reception on March 21 at the University Club Patio.
Cameron Akioka wins first place at 50th Annual Edith Knox Performance Competition
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies graduate student Cameron Akioka won first place at the 50th Annual Edith Knox Performance Competition playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major. As first place winner, Akioka will perform Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto as soloist with the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra on June 25, 2023.
In Memoriam: Royce Saltzman
Royce Saltzman, USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music department alum (DMA ‘64), died on Monday, April 3. He was 94. Saltzman was known for his collaboration with legendary conductor Helmuth Rilling and their co-founding of the annual Oregon Bach Festival, one of the world’s premiere events for the music of J. S. Bach. He had… Continue reading In Memoriam: Royce Saltzman
Nic Gerpe released studio album for “The Makrokosmos 50 Project”
USC Thornton alumnus Nic Gerpe (DMA ’12) released a studio album for “The Makrokosmos 50 Project” on March 15, now available on all digital streaming platforms. Gerpe commissioned 11 composers to collaborate with him in creating musical responses to individual movements of George Crumb’s Makrokosmos, Volume I. He recorded the final pieces as a studio… Continue reading Nic Gerpe released studio album for “The Makrokosmos 50 Project”
Delirium Musicum chamber ensemble presents “Travels”
Delirium Musicum, a chamber ensemble founded by violinist and Thornton alumnus Etienne Gara, will present “Travels,” an exhilarating celebration of multiculturalism through music. The concert program takes audiences on a musical journey around the world with works by composers Isaac Albeniz, Béla Bartók, Gianluca Bersanetti, Philip Glass, Che-Yi Lee, Jisoo Lee, Max Richter and Leo… Continue reading Delirium Musicum chamber ensemble presents “Travels”
USC alumni Travis Chen and Brian Femminella expand SoundMind
In 2021, USC alumni Travis Chen and Brian Femminella built the music therapy app SoundMind to address the growing mental health crisis. The inspiration behind the app? A USC Thornton world music course. According to a Fortune Well article, Femminella took a world music class taught by Thornton musicology professor Scott Spencer, “where he began… Continue reading USC alumni Travis Chen and Brian Femminella expand SoundMind
Los Angeles Times interviewed Sabrina Teitelbaum, aka Blondshell
USC Thornton non-graduate alumna Sabrina Teitelbaum, also known as Blondshell, was featured in an L.A. Times interview about her upcoming self-titled EP, due April 7 from Partisan Records. Teitelbaum spoke about the inspiration behind her album, rethinking her songwriting approach, and formative musical influences including Adele and Amy Winehouse. In the article, pop music critic… Continue reading Los Angeles Times interviewed Sabrina Teitelbaum, aka Blondshell
Saad Haddad named California Symphony’s Young American Composer-in-Residence
USC Thornton Composition alumnus Saad Haddad (BM ‘14) was named 2023-2026 Young American Composer-in-Residence by the California Symphony. For the next three seasons, Haddad will create, rehearse, premiere and record three major orchestral compositions alongside orchestra and music director, Donato Cabrera. “Saad has such a clear sense of expression and what he wants the music… Continue reading Saad Haddad named California Symphony’s Young American Composer-in-Residence
Bokyung “Bo” Byun announced as a winner of Avery Fisher Career Grant
USC Thornton Classical Guitar program alumna Bokyung “Bo” Byun (DMA ’20) was announced as a winner of the Avery Fisher Career Grant on March 28 by The Violin Channel. In 2021, Byun became the first woman in 20 years to win the Guitar Foundation of America competition, and her list of accomplishments is only growing.… Continue reading Bokyung “Bo” Byun announced as a winner of Avery Fisher Career Grant