Professional appointments for Choral students and alumni
Karsten Longhurst (pictured), USC Thornton Choral Music DMA candidate and former co-conductor of the Apollo Men’s Chorus, has taken the position of Director of Choral Studies at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. In addition to his work with several USC ensembles, Longhurst has served as music director for youth and adult choirs for the Church of… Continue reading Professional appointments for Choral students and alumni
Jazz alumna Kait Dunton releases new album with trioKAIT
Jazz pianist and composer Kait Dunton (DMA ’13), an alumna of the USC Thornton Jazz Studies program, will release a new album with her ensemble, trioKAIT. The group includes fellow alumnus Jake Reed (MM ’10, DMA ’13, Jazz Studies) on drums, as well as electric bassist Cooper Appelt. Dunton has previously released two albums of… Continue reading Jazz alumna Kait Dunton releases new album with trioKAIT
Alumni and faculty receive EMMY nominations for outstanding film scoring
USC Thornton alumni and faculty have been honored with EMMY Award nominations. Duncan Thum (BA ’06, Guitar, GCRT ’13, SMPTV) has been nominated for Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score) for the documentary series “Chef’s Table.” Several other alumni, including composers Tyler Sabbag (BS ’05, Jazz Studies) and Steve Gernes (GCRT ’13,… Continue reading Alumni and faculty receive EMMY nominations for outstanding film scoring
Midori Goto featured in Time Magazine profile
USC Thornton distinguished professor of violin Midori Goto was featured in a Time Magazine article profiling exceptional public figures, including Toni Morrison, Warren Buffett, Serena Williams and Meryl Streep. The article noted that Goto headlines 100 concerts each year and has released 16 album recordings since she first became an international soloist at the age… Continue reading Midori Goto featured in Time Magazine profile
Michele Zukovsky, principal Philharmonic clarinetist and USC Thornton faculty, to retire from orchestra
Michele Zukovsky, principal clarinetist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and a member of the USC Thornton Winds and Percussion faculty, will retire from the L.A. Phil at the end of 2015. Zukovsky joined the orchestra in 1961 at the age of 18 and has performed with the group for 54 years. Early in her tenure,… Continue reading Michele Zukovsky, principal Philharmonic clarinetist and USC Thornton faculty, to retire from orchestra
Choral alum Robert P.D. Duff to direct Brandeis University program
USC Thornton Choral Music alumnus Robert P.D. Duff (DMA ’00) has been appointed to Brandeis University as Choral Conductor, where he will lead two choral ensembles, teach conducting and oversee their vocal program. He will continue as Artistic and Musical Director at the Handel Society at Dartmouth. Duff formerly served as Director of Music for… Continue reading Choral alum Robert P.D. Duff to direct Brandeis University program
Music & Beyond Festival pays tribute to Morten Lauridsen
On July 12, the Music & Beyond Festival of Ottawa, Canada, held a concert celebrating the choral works of USC Thornton Distinguished Professor of Composition, Morten Lauridsen. Lauridsen accompanied singers from 10 regional choirs in performances of his O Magnum Mysterium, Sure on this Shining Night, Lux Aeterna and Dirait-on, under the batons of conductors… Continue reading Music & Beyond Festival pays tribute to Morten Lauridsen
Contemporary Music students join their London counterparts in cultural exchange
USC Thornton Studio/Jazz Guitar professor Richard Smith has traveled to London, England, with a group of Contemporary Music students for a biennial exchange of music and culture with students at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. Over a 10 day program, students from USC and the ICMP attend masterclasses and tutorials with pop music luminaries… Continue reading Contemporary Music students join their London counterparts in cultural exchange
New York City alumni honor Thomas Bähler with Tommy Award
USC Thornton graduate Thomas Bähler (BM ’66) was one of four alumni honored by the USC Alumni Club of New York at their 6th annual Tommy Awards ceremony. The awards celebrate outstanding alumni for their extraordinary contributions to the cultural, philanthropic and business communities of New York City. Bähler is a composer, author and entrepreneur.
Work by alumnus Jules Pegram featured in Underwood New Music concert
USC Thornton alumnus and Outstanding Graduate Jules Pegram (BM ’13, composition) was one of seven composers selected by the American Composers Orchestra for its annual Underwood New Music Readings concert in New York City. His orchestral piece, Shadows of the Studio, is a “musical tribute to the glory days of Hollywood’s ‘studio system.’” In an… Continue reading Work by alumnus Jules Pegram featured in Underwood New Music concert