Dean Robert Cutietta quoted about appointment of Rachel Moore to Music Center leadership
Robert Cutietta, dean of USC’s Thornton School of Music and Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, was quoted by the Los Angeles Times in an article surveying community arts leaders about the appointment of Rachel Moore to head the Los Angeles Music Center organization. Moore has served as executive director of New York City-based American Ballet… Continue reading Dean Robert Cutietta quoted about appointment of Rachel Moore to Music Center leadership
Alumna Edie Lehmann Boddicker elected to leadership role with Recording Academy
Singer, conductor, and musical arranger Edie Lehmann Boddicker, a 1979 alumna of USC Thornton, was recently elected to the Board of Governors of the Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter, the membership organization behind the GRAMMY Awards. Lehmann Boddicker is known for her vocal work and choral direction on dozens of Hollywood films. She began her… Continue reading Alumna Edie Lehmann Boddicker elected to leadership role with Recording Academy
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
Dongni Xie takes second prize in concerto competition
Dongni Xie, a GCRT candidate in Keyboard Studies and a student of Norman Krieger, recently took second prize in the Young Musicians Foundation 2015 Concerto Competition. In April, Xie was one of three USC Thornton students to win scholarships from the Pasadena Alumnae chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota. And in May, she took Grand Prize… Continue reading Dongni Xie takes second prize in concerto competition
CD of works by Donald Crockett produced by Boston Modern Orchestra Project
The Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) has released a new CD of music by Donald Crockett, chair of the USC Thornton Composition program. “Blue Earth” features several works by Crockett, including a Viola Concerto with soloist Kate Vincent and the orchestral “Blue Earth,” conducted by BMOP Artistic Director Gil Rose. Recording of the CD was made… Continue reading CD of works by Donald Crockett produced by Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Contemporary Music professors quoted about the challenges of new streaming music services
Two USC Thornton Contemporary Music faculty members were quoted by the Los Angeles Times recently about the introduction of new music streaming services by Apple and Jay-Z. Mark Goldstein of the Music Industry program discussed the financial risks inherent in Apple’s new digital music platform. “This is great theater,” Goldstein said. “I don’t know what’s… Continue reading Contemporary Music professors quoted about the challenges of new streaming music services
Cynthia Munzer speaks to KABC about her battle with lung cancer
Operatic mezzo-soprano Cynthia Munzer, who teaches on the USC Thornton Vocal Arts and Opera faculty, was recently interviewed by KABC-TV Eyewitness News about her 2013 lung cancer diagnosis and her path to recovery. Munzer underwent surgery to remove part of her lungs – and today Munzer works on behalf of the American Lung Association to… Continue reading Cynthia Munzer speaks to KABC about her battle with lung cancer
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
Rod Gilfry debutes new opera role, to critical acclaim
Rod Gilfry, operatic baritone and USC Thornton Vocal Arts and Opera faculty member, recently originated the role of Walt Whitman in composer Matt Aucoin’s “Crossing,” to critical acclaim. The new opera, which premiered at the Citi Shubert Theatre in Boston on May 29, draws on the life, work, and poetry of Whitman, and is part… Continue reading Rod Gilfry debutes new opera role, to critical acclaim
Composition students shine with prizes and premieres
In recent weeks, USC Thornton students – from undergraduate to doctoral – have found success with composition awards and premieres. Thomas Kotcheff (MM ’12, composition), currently a doctoral candidate, received a BMI Student Composer Award on May 18 in New York City for his octet, entitled that in shadow or moonlight rises. In addition to… Continue reading Composition students shine with prizes and premieres