Piano alumnus Robert Thies performs Prokofiev with Louisville Orchestra
Concert pianist and USC Thornton alumnus Robert Thies (BM ’93, MM ’95, piano) performed Prokofiev’s Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26, recently with the Louisville Orchestra, receiving a strong review from WUOL.org. Reviewer Daniel Gilliam reported that “Pianist Robert Thies and the orchestra play equal roles, moving gracefully through sometimes quirky, sometimes elegant… Continue reading Piano alumnus Robert Thies performs Prokofiev with Louisville Orchestra
Choral alumni enjoy appointments and accolades
Several USC Thornton alumni have made news recently for their extraordinary accomplishments. Troy Quinn (DMA ’14, choral music) has been appointed as conductor of the Juneau Symphony in Alaska, launching the orchestra’s 2015-16 performance season in October. In addition to his traditional conducting experience, Quinn has developed a strong career in the television and recording… Continue reading Choral alumni enjoy appointments and accolades
Alumnus Dominic Gregorio recognized with teaching award
USC Thornton Choral Music alumnus Dominic Gregorio (DMA ’12), currently an Assistant Professor with the University of Regina Music Department, has received the university’s New Faculty Teaching Award of Recognition, which acknowledges “significant teaching excellence, growth, and development for new faculty members.” While at USC, he served as conductor with the USC Thornton Opera, USC… Continue reading Alumnus Dominic Gregorio recognized with teaching award
Alum T.J. Harper receives Providence College teaching award
USC Thornton alumnus T.J Harper (DMA ’08, choral music), currently Director of Choral Activities/Music Education at Providence College in Rhode Island, received the 2014-2015 Joseph R. Accinno Teaching Award, which is presented annually “to the faculty member who best exhibits excellence in teaching, passion and enthusiasm for learning, and genuine concern for students’ academic and… Continue reading Alum T.J. Harper receives Providence College teaching award
Jong-In Kim joins Incheon City Chorale as Assistant Conductor
USC Thornton alumnus Jong-In Kim (DMA ’11) has been named Assistant Conductor of Korea’s most prestigious professional choir, the Incheon City Chorale. In this role, he will function as an interim conductor during the choir’s search for a new Artistic Director. Mr. Kim has served as Assistant Conductor with both CALA (Choral Alchemy of Los… Continue reading Jong-In Kim joins Incheon City Chorale as Assistant Conductor
Composition by Thomas Osborne featured on new piano album
A composition by USC Thornton alumnus Thomas Osborne (DMA ’06, composition), “The Ends of the Earth,” was prominently featured on pianist Derek Polischuk’s album, “Terra Incognita,” which was released last month. In a review for City Pulse, Lawrence Cosentino called Osborne’s piece “a grand, terrifying and beautiful new work for piano” that “heaves like ocean… Continue reading Composition by Thomas Osborne featured on new piano album
Cardinal Winds receive strong review for Clyde Montgomery Concert performance
The Cardinal Winds woodwind sextet performed at the annual Clyde Montgomery Concert in Pasadena on March 29, during which they premiered composer Stephen Cohn’s “Aria for Winds.” Rodney Punt, in a review for LA Opus, reported that the sextet members “had their work cut out” on Cohn’s piece, but “deftly conveyed both the work’s craftsmanship… Continue reading Cardinal Winds receive strong review for Clyde Montgomery Concert performance
Alumna Marisa Sorajja joins LA Opera orchestra
USC Thornton School of Music alumna Marisa Sorajja (BA ’04) recently won the position of Associate Principal 2nd Violin with the LA Opera orchestra. In addition to her new position, Sorajja is a member of the Pacific Symphony, is Principal First Violin of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and First Assistant Concertmaster of New West Symphony.
Grant Gershon receives Chorus America award
USC Thornton alumnus and Board of Councilors member Grant Gershon (’85, piano) was recently honored by Chorus America with the 2015 Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal. Gershon is Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale and has directed more than 100 performances at the Walt Disney Concert Hall during his… Continue reading Grant Gershon receives Chorus America award
Violist Donald McInnes interviewed by Ovation Press
USC Thornton alumnus, retired faculty member and performer Donald McInnes was recently interviewed by Ovation Press, an internet-based music publisher. In the interview, McInnes spoke about his career as both a concert violist and as a teacher. “I have always been passionate about sharing my experiences performing in a way that helps my students to… Continue reading Violist Donald McInnes interviewed by Ovation Press