Lesley Leighton appointed Director of Choral Activities at CSUSB
USC Thornton alumna Lesley Leighton (MM ’91, DMA ’12) has been appointed the tenure-track position of Director of Choral Activities at the California State University San Bernardino’s Music Department. Leighton, who has premiered over 50 works since 2009, served as UCLA’s director of choruses from 2014-2016 and has regularly conducted the Los Angeles Master Chorale […]
Jeffrey Kahane earns glowing review
Jeffrey Kahane, a USC Thornton professor of Keyboard Studies, earned a glowing review from the Shepherd Express for his guest conducting performance with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, during with he also played a piano concerto. “Kahane moved seamlessly in his two roles,” said the article. “The music came forth with lively, in-the-moment presence. I think […]
Thornton alumni and faculty recognized by BMI at annual awards
At the 35th annual BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Awards, USC Thornton alumni and faculty were recognized as top performing composers. Ludwig Göransson (GC ’08) added to his long list of 2019 awards, which includes three GRAMMYs and an Oscar, and won an award for Venom and Creed II. Additionally, in the BMI Cable […]
Three Music Industry Students win MBA scholarships
The Music Business Association recently awarded scholarships to three USC Thornton Music Industry students. Hannah Abrahim, Ugonnaya Chilaka and Chandler Lawn were selected based on their academic achievement and evidence of future potential to receive financial assistance through the Association’s Scholarship Foundation. Since 1966, these scholarships have assisted the children of Music Business Association members […]
USC Percussion Group noted in LA Times
The USC Percussion Group performed “Fear-Release” by Ellen Reid at the third-annual LA Phil’s Noon to Midnight event. The LA Times mentioned the performance in their review of the event, saying it was “captivating in its gentle rustling.” Also mentioned was Thornton alumna and faculty member Sara Gibson’s performance with HOCKET and percussionist Michael Basak’s […]
Dale Trumbore publishes new book
Composition alumna Dale Trumbore (MM ’11) recently published a new book entitled Staying Composed: Overcoming Anxiety and Self-Doubt Within a Creative Life. With lessons drawn from her professional composing career, Trumbore offers tips for creatives in any field and breaks down obstacles to a creative career. The book also presents strategies to create a meaningful […]
Nate Sloan’s podcast named best in music
USC Thornton Musicology faculty member Nate Sloan’s podcast, Switched on Pop, was named one of the best music podcasts by Go Erie. Sloan cohosts the show, which is produced by Vox Media, with songwriter Charlie Harding. The podcast explains what makes pop songs resonate with audiences and how songs interact with culture. This week, Sloan […]
Mak Grgić releases new video
Last week, classical guitarist Mak Grgić (MM ’12, DMA ’16) released the video this his song “Macedonian Girl.” Grgić describes the song, which is from his new album, Balkanisms, as “one of the most emotional songs” he has ever recorded. Grgić also recently did a Reddit Ask Me Anything where he discussed what it felt […]
Veronika Krausas earns praise for new opera
Veronika Krausas, a USC Thornton Composition faculty member, debuted her newest opera to rave reviews last month. Ghost Opera, which premiered at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, earned positive press from the Calgary Herald and CBC. The Calgary Herald praised Krausas while describing the show as “visually opulent” and “theatrically mesmerizing.” “Krausas has […]
Louis Cole and Bob Mintzer collaborate with WDR Big Band
In May, USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Louis Cole (’09) and Genevieve Artadi, his partner in their celebrated electronic funk-pop band, Knower, joined Bob Mintzer, chair of the USC Thornton Jazz Studies program, in a performance with WDR Big Band at JazzFest Bonn. Mintzer, who in 2016 became the bandleader of the award-winning band based […]