Elizabeth Rowe featured on Artful Narratives’ “Speaking Soundly” podcast
Elizabeth Rowe, principal flutist at the Boston Symphony Orchestra and USC Thornton alumna (BM ‘96), was featured on Artful Narratives’ “Speaking Soundly” podcast on Dec. 20. Rowe spoke about her experience as a performer, finding her personal sound and initiating a gender discrimination lawsuit against the orchestra while performing as principal flutist. “I had and… Continue reading Elizabeth Rowe featured on Artful Narratives’ “Speaking Soundly” podcast
Los Angeles Times spotlights USC Thornton Symphony in review of a weekend of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 performances
On Jan. 19, Los Angeles Times music critic Mark Swed published a review of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 performances conducted by esteemed USC Thornton alum and Judge Widney Professor of Music Michael Tilson Thomas (BM ‘67, MM ‘76) and artistic leader and USC Thornton Symphony’s principal conductor Carl St.Clair. On Tilson Thomas’ Jan. 8 performance… Continue reading Los Angeles Times spotlights USC Thornton Symphony in review of a weekend of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 performances
Cody Westheimer premiered symphony celebrating Chumash heritage with Santa Barbara Symphony
USC Thornton composition program alum Cody Westheimer (BM ‘01) premiered a symphonic piece with the Santa Barbara Symphony at the Granada Theatre on Nov. 19. Westheimer’s “Wisdom of the Water, Earth, Sky” was led by artistic director Nir Kabaretti and performed by Chumash descendants Marianne Parra and Ernestine Ygnacio-DeSoto. Westheimer, a Santa Barbara local and… Continue reading Cody Westheimer premiered symphony celebrating Chumash heritage with Santa Barbara Symphony
Paul Cornish featured in American Pianists Association documentary series
USC Thornton jazz studies alumnus Paul Cornish (BM ‘18) was featured in the American Pianists Association’s short documentary series ‘A Day in the Life’ that follows the 2023 American Pianists Award finalists. The newest segment, released Oct. 18, follows Cornish in Los Angeles and how he prepares for gigs and competitions, beginning piano, performing with… Continue reading Paul Cornish featured in American Pianists Association documentary series
Otmaro Ruiz
Otmaro Ruiz is a jazz pianist with a diverse musical skill set, ranging from straight-ahead and pop-rock, to fusion, salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz. Of Venezuelan heritage, he worked intensively in the Venezuela jazz scene before moving to Los Angeles in 1989. He has since received an honorary doctorate in musical arts from Shepherd University, and… Continue reading Otmaro Ruiz
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