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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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Alumnus Nic Gerpe featured in REDCAT solo performance
USC Thornton alumnus Nic Gerpe (DMA ’12, piano) will be featured in a solo piano performance at The Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) on Tuesday, April 28. An international performer with a focus in new music, Gerpe currently serves on the faculty of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Gerpe will perform works by Alexina… Continue reading Alumnus Nic Gerpe featured in REDCAT solo performance
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Alumna Leah Schwartz-Aksnes named principal clarinet of Danish orchestra
Thornton alumna Leah Schwartz-Aksnes (MM ’09) was named principal clarinet of the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra in Denmark. At USC Thornton, she studied with Yehuda Gilad and performed with the Thornton Symphony Orchestra. The Aalborg Symphony’s 65 musicians perform over 200 concerts a year.