The Calder Quartet signs recording deal with Pentatone
The Calder Quartet, which includes USC Thornton alumni Benjamin Jacobson (BM’01, MM’07, violin), Andrew Bulbrook (BM ’02, violin), Jonathan Moerschel (BM ’01, MM ’03, viola) and Eric Byers (BM ’03, cello), has signed an exclusive recording deal with Pentatone. The ensemble, which is known for its artful interpretations of both classical and contemporary repertoire, will […]
Midori Goto to join Curtis Institute faculty in fall of 2018
USC Thornton distinguished professor Midori Goto, Jascha Heifetz Chair in Violin, will join the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music, beginning in the 2018–19 school year. The internationally-renowned performer and educational advocate will continue her 14-year relationship with Thornton as a visiting artist following her move to Philadelphia. “I am thankful for the time […]
William Dehning, long-time USC Thornton Choral chair, 1942-2017
Choral conductor and USC Thornton alumnus William Dehning (MA ’67, DMA ’71, choral), who led the department of Choral & Sacred Music as chair from 1992 to 2007, passed away on June 23, 2017. A native of Minnesota, Dehning studied with Ingolf Dahl, Walter Ducloux, Charles C. Hirt, Halsey Stevens and James Vail at USC […]
L.C. Harnsberger Olvera Street opera performed
Golondrina, a chamber opera by composer and alumnus L.C. Harnsberger‘s (BM, ’89, Composition), was performed last month by the Southern California-based Vineyard Touring Opera Company. The opera, which premiered in 2015, tells the true story behind Los Angeles’ Olvera Street landmark and efforts to save its iconic plaza during the construction of Union Station. With […]
Frank Ticheli presents band workshops in Italy
Composer and USC Thornton faculty member Frank Ticheli is traveling throughout Italy this summer, where he will present several concerts and workshops. Known for his works for concert band, Ticheli will lead programs for Italian band directors in the cities of Fermo, Serra di Conti and Morbegno before presenting at the International Band Festival of […]
L.A. Master Chorale celebrates Morten Lauridsen
This week, the Los Angeles Master Chorale (LAMC) celebrates the 20th anniversary of USC Distinguished Professor Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna with a series of concerts and events at Walt Disney Concert Hall (June 17-22). Alumnus Grant Gershon (’85, piano), USC Thornton Board of Councilors member and artistic director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, was […]
Soprano Jessica Rivera reprises role in “Hubble Cantata” in Los Angeles
Soprano and USC Thornton alumna Jessica Rivera (MM ’98) returns to Southern California in October to reprise her role in the groundbreaking Hubble Cantata, a multimedia “experience that pushes the boundaries of art and science as it takes audiences on a journey of wonder and exploration.” Soprano Jessica Rivera performing during the premiere of the […]
Alan Pasqua featured in Bob Dylan’s Nobel Prize lecture
Jazz pianist and USC Thornton faculty member Alan Pasqua recently received an extraordinary request – to contribute improvisational background music for Bob Dylan’s 2016 Nobel Prize lecture, which was released as a video this week. Pasqua, who played in Dylan’s band in the 1970’s, had just one day to record about 30 minutes of original […]
Moonchild embarks on international tour with new album
The band Moonchild, which was formed at USC Thornton in 2012 by Jazz Studies alumni Amber Navran (’12), Max Bryk (’11), and Andris Mattson (’13), is currently in the midst of an extensive North American tour. The Jazz and R&B-influenced group, which has opened for Stevie Wonder, Jose James, and Georgia Anne Muldrow, is promoting […]
Dean Robert Cutietta featured on podcast ahead of Eastman Leadership Conference
This June, Robert Cutietta, Dean of the USC Thornton School of Music, will serve as faculty at the 4-day Eastman Leadership Conference at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. Together with Martin Messinger, Dean of the Eastman School of Music, and Toni-Marie Montgomery, Dean of the Bienen School of Music at […]