Thornton alumni nominated in Hollywood Music in Media Awards
USC Thornton composition program alumni Michael Abels (BM ‘84) and Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ‘08) were nominated for the music in visual media category for the 13th Annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards, announced Nov. 3. Abels received a nomination in the horror film category for his work on “Nope”. Göransson received a feature film nomination… Continue reading Thornton alumni nominated in Hollywood Music in Media Awards
Ron McCurdy inducted into University of Kansas Hall of Achievement
USC Thornton assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion and professor of jazz studies Ron McCurdy was inducted into the University of Kansas Nicholas Gerran, Sr. Hall of Achievement on Oct. 29. As part of the 50th anniversary of KU’s jazz program that featured performances by students and alumni, McCurdy was one of the four… Continue reading Ron McCurdy inducted into University of Kansas Hall of Achievement
Thornton doctoral student Siwen Xi featured in Annenberg Media about interdisciplinary yoga class
USC Thornton doctoral student Siwen Xi teaches a free yoga class in USC’s Fisher Museum of Art. Xi used the Louise Bourgeois exhibit, mental health advocate and surrealist artist, to inspire her class. “I used the words on the wall as inspiration and encouragement. It’s important for me to blend with the environment,” Xi said… Continue reading Thornton doctoral student Siwen Xi featured in Annenberg Media about interdisciplinary yoga class
Heeseong Lee placed second in Fosco Corti International Competition for Choral Conductor
USC Thornton choral & sacred music program doctoral candidate and instrumental conducting and organ minor Heeseong Lee placed second at the Fosco Corti International Competition for Choral Conductor in Turin, Italy. The international competition, organized by the European Choral Association, took place from Oct. 21-23. A total of 18 finalists from 12 countries were admitted… Continue reading Heeseong Lee placed second in Fosco Corti International Competition for Choral Conductor
Lenny Hayes selected as a 2022-2023 Piano Spheres Emerging Artist
USC Thornton keyboard studies doctoral candidate Lenny Hayes has been selected as Emerging Artist for the 2022-2023 Piano Spheres Artist Series. Hayes, under the mentorship of Dr. William Chapman Nyaho, will present piano works by composers of the African Diaspora. This program will also include a commissioned work by a living composer. The classical pianist’s… Continue reading Lenny Hayes selected as a 2022-2023 Piano Spheres Emerging Artist
Alexander Lloyd Blake named Copland House Residency Award Recipient
USC Thornton choral & sacred music alumnus Alexander Lloyd Blake (DMA ‘19) received one of six residency awards at the 2022 Copland House Residency Awards. The announcement was made on Oct. 23. The Copland House Residency is a charter program of Aaron Copland’s National Historic Landmark home. 180 composers applied from 33 states, the District… Continue reading Alexander Lloyd Blake named Copland House Residency Award Recipient
Ron McCurdy inducted into University of Kansas Hall of Achievement
USC Thornton assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion and professor of jazz studies Ron McCurdy was inducted into the University of Kansas Nicholas Gerran, Sr. Hall of Achievement on Oct. 29. As part of the 50th anniversary of KU’s jazz program that featured performances by students and alumni, McCurdy was one of the four… Continue reading Ron McCurdy inducted into University of Kansas Hall of Achievement
Fall 2022 Semester in Review
Looking back on an amazing fall 2022 semester at USC Thornton.
George Shaw composed Dreamworks’ “Abominable and the Invisible City”
USC Thornton composition program alumnus George Shaw (BM ‘04) composed the score for DreamWorks animated series Abominable and the Invisible City, the follow-up from the 2019 feature film. The score of the animated series, which was released on Oct. 5, incorporates Chinese culture with solo violin, clarinet and saxophone instrumentals. “In order to bring Chinese… Continue reading George Shaw composed Dreamworks’ “Abominable and the Invisible City”
LACO premieres new commission by Juan Pablo Contreras
The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) will present the world premiere of a work by Latin GRAMMY-nominated composer and USC Thornton alumnus Juan Pablo Contreras (DMA ‘21). “Lucha Libre!” will be performed on December 11 at 8 p.m. at Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. “Lucha Libre!” is a LACO sound Investment commission that pays tribute to… Continue reading LACO premieres new commission by Juan Pablo Contreras