Bob Mintzer releases educational big band app, produced by Peter Erskine
Bob Mintzer, chair of the USC Thornton Jazz Studies program, has released a new educational app for iOS devices called the Mintzr Big Band Essentials Play-Along. Produced by Thornton’s director of drumset studies, Peter Erskine, the app features ten of Mintzer’s own compositions performed by many of the area’s leading jazz musicians, including faculty members… Continue reading Bob Mintzer releases educational big band app, produced by Peter Erskine
Classical Singer profiles Cynthia Munzer’s summer program in Germany
The January issue of Classical Singer magazine featured USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera faculty member Cynthia Munzer front and center for her role as artistic director of Musiktheater Bavaria (MTB), a summer program held annually in Germany. The six page article highlighted the program’s impact on students interested in delving into the study of… Continue reading Classical Singer profiles Cynthia Munzer’s summer program in Germany
Composer alumnus Tristan Koester finds success with commissions
Composer and Thornton alumnus Tristan Xavier Koester (’15) recently premiered a piece entitled “Memory Fragments” with the Varied Trio, a chamber ensemble featuring Thornton alumni Yuri Inoo (MM ’04, DMA ’09, percussion) and Aron Kallay (DMA ’09, piano). His upcoming work includes recording projects with the trio, as well as traditional Chinese guzheng player Sun… Continue reading Composer alumnus Tristan Koester finds success with commissions
Composer Mark Weiser’s opera named year’s top operatic event
“Where Angels Fear to Tread,” an opera by composer and USC Thornton Composition faculty member Mark Weiser, was named the top operatic event for 2015 by the San Francisco Chronicle (paywall). Premiered in February of 2015 by Opera San Jose, the opera is based on the novel by E.M. Forster and features a libretto by… Continue reading Composer Mark Weiser’s opera named year’s top operatic event
MUNA’s “Loudspeaker” at #1 on list of 50 best songs of 2015
The band MUNA, which was formed by USC Thornton Popular Music graduate Katie Gavin (BA ’15), current student Josette Maskin (BM ’16), along with Naomi McPherson, took the top spot in ShortList‘s “50 Best Songs of 2015.” The annual rundown, which highlights the publication’s favorite tracks from “big, small, old and new artists alike,” praised… Continue reading MUNA’s “Loudspeaker” at #1 on list of 50 best songs of 2015
Julia Adolphe to receive Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award
Julia Adolphe, a doctoral candidate in the USC Thornton Composition program, is one of 12 young artists to receive the 2016 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award, which allows each of the organizations on the New York City cultural campus to celebrate a rising star in the performing arts. Selected for distinction by the New York… Continue reading Julia Adolphe to receive Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award
Alumnus Olivier Ochanine wins international conducting competiton
Conductor Olivier Ochanine (MM ’07, conducting), USC Thornton alumnus and music director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, has received first prize at the 2015 Antal Doráti International Conducting Competition in Budapest. The prestigious competition, created in honor of the Hungarian-born conductor and composer who became an American citizen in 1947, was held in collaboration with… Continue reading Alumnus Olivier Ochanine wins international conducting competiton
Royce Saltzman receives Lifetime Achievement Award at World Choral Expo
USC Thornton alumnus Royce Saltzman (DMA ’63), a highly esteemed leader in the field of choral music, received the International Federation for Choral Music’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the World Choral Expo in Macau, China, in November. Saltzman was instrumental in founding IFCM and served as the group’s President for eight years. Saltzman is also… Continue reading Royce Saltzman receives Lifetime Achievement Award at World Choral Expo
Peter Erskine emerges as “Dr. Um” in new album release
Peter Erskine, director of Drumset Studies at USC Thornton, will release a new jazz fusion album, under the moniker of “Dr. Um,” this week. The album, which embraces the sound worlds that Erskine first created with the Weather Report and Steps Ahead, also features performances by Jazz Studies faculty members Bob Sheppard (saxophone), Aaron Serfaty… Continue reading Peter Erskine emerges as “Dr. Um” in new album release
Alan L. Smith to join Stephanie Blythe at Carnegie Hall
Alan L. Smith, chair of Keyboard Studies and director of the Keyboard Collaborative Arts program at USC Thornton, will accompany internationally-renowned mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, at her January 23rd “Sing America” concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The performance will give audience members the opportunity to sing-along with Blythe to classic American songs, including… Continue reading Alan L. Smith to join Stephanie Blythe at Carnegie Hall