Kevin Lax and Robert Lydecker co-composed score for “Orion and the Dark”
USC Thornton Screen Scoring alumni Kevin Lax (‘08, GCRT ‘09) and Robert Lydecker (‘08, GCRT ‘09) composed the score to the DreamWorks animated film, Orion and the Dark. Streaming on Netflix, the film is based on a children’s book about a boy who faces his fears for the first time with the help of a… Continue reading Kevin Lax and Robert Lydecker co-composed score for “Orion and the Dark”
Clarinetist alumni win orchestra positions with New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic
USC Thornton Winds & Percussion alumni Benjamin Adler (MM ‘14) and Taylor Eiffert (MM ’18) begun new orchestra positions in the 2023-24 season. The alumni studied under Thornton faculty member Yehuda Gilad. Adler won the associate principal clarinet position with the New York Philharmonic. He previously held positions with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and St.… Continue reading Clarinetist alumni win orchestra positions with New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic
Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald perform piano duet for Chamber Music Palisades
On April 24, USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty members Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald performed a piano duet for the Chamber Music Palisades‘ final concert of their 27th season. Hosted by KUSC’s Alan Chapman, the concert featured musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera, San Diego Symphony and Santa… Continue reading Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald perform piano duet for Chamber Music Palisades
Alyssa Mercedes Mena publishes solo flute piece, “Hasta La Raíz”
USC Thornton Winds & Percussion department alumna Alyssa Mercedes Mena (MM ‘21) published a solo flute piece “Hasta La Raíz,” which had its world premiere at the 2022 National Flute Convention. Translated as “Down to the Roots,” the piece gives a glimpse into the composer’s life through Cuban-inspired dance rhythms and melodic passages. Mena studied… Continue reading Alyssa Mercedes Mena publishes solo flute piece, “Hasta La Raíz”
Music Industry alumna Isa Klar featured in Trojan Family Magazine
USC Thornton Music Industry alumna Isa Klar (‘23) was featured in Trojan Family Magazine about her hip-hop marketing career at one of the genre’s most acclaimed record labels, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). The story follows her trajectory from an intern and Thornton student to a full-time marketing staff member at TDE. As an intern, Klar… Continue reading Music Industry alumna Isa Klar featured in Trojan Family Magazine
Ken Cazan to direct Georges Bizet’s Carmen at Music Academy of the West Summer Festival
Ken Cazan, the Resident Stage Director of the USC Thornton Opera, will lead Georges Bizet’s Carmen at the Music Academy of the West’s 2024 Summer Festival. Conducted by Daniela Candillari, the opera production will show on July 10 and feature choreography from flamenco star Manuel Gutierrez. The Summer Music Festival takes place from June 12–August… Continue reading Ken Cazan to direct Georges Bizet’s Carmen at Music Academy of the West Summer Festival
Dean Jason King honors Shirley Horn in The New York Times
USC Thornton Dean Jason King contributed to a New York Times article honoring pianist and vocalist Shirley Horn, published on April 3. Among the musicians, writers and radio personalities who shared their favorite songs, he chose Horn’s “If I Should Lose You” as the song that made him appreciate her distinctive sound. King wrote, “I’ve… Continue reading Dean Jason King honors Shirley Horn in The New York Times
Seoyon MacDonald’s recording of Prelude and Fugue wins Best Art Film at 2024 Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival
Seoyon MacDonald, a DMA student in the USC Thornton Keyboard Collaborative Arts program, won Best Art Film for her music video and short documentary of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Prelude and Fugue in C# minor at the 2024 Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival. The music video and short documentary also earned an honorable mention in the Best Directing… Continue reading Seoyon MacDonald’s recording of Prelude and Fugue wins Best Art Film at 2024 Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival
Camae Ayewa wins Chanel Next Prize
USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother) won a Chanel Next Prize for her work in music and poetry. The biennial Chanel Next Prize is awarded to 10 contemporary artists in various disciplines around the world who “are defining what is new and next in contemporary art and culture.” The winners receive… Continue reading Camae Ayewa wins Chanel Next Prize
Eliza Petrosyan performs with Chappell Roan on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert
USC Thornton Popular Music program alumna Eliza Petrosyan (‘22) performed as a guitarist in Chappell Roan’s band for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, published on March 21. Petrosyan will also play in Chappell Roan’s band when opening for Olivia Rodrigo on the Guts World Tour. Petrosyan has previously played with artists Tora-i, WizTheMC and Anna Duboc.… Continue reading Eliza Petrosyan performs with Chappell Roan on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert