John Russell (DMA,’ 13) named artistic director of San Diego Master Chorale
John Russell (DMA,’ 13) was named artistic director of the San Diego Master Chorale. Russell previously worked as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at California State University, San Bernardino. While at CSUSB, he taught applied voice, as well as courses in choral conducting, choral literature and music education. Russell is also… Continue reading John Russell (DMA,’ 13) named artistic director of San Diego Master Chorale
DMA student Yoshika Masuda wins first prize at All-Japan VIVA HALL Cello Competition
Current USC Thornton doctoral student Yoshika Masuda was awarded first prize at the 11th All-Japan VIVA HALL Cello Competition in July 2014. Masuda, who studies cello under USC Thornton Strings faculty Ralph Kirshbaum, was awarded 1,000,000 Yen ($10,000 USD) and a certificate of commendation for his achievement. Additionally, Masuda will perform several high-profile concerts in Japan in… Continue reading DMA student Yoshika Masuda wins first prize at All-Japan VIVA HALL Cello Competition
William Cravy (BM, ’14) named National Arts Centre Orchestra apprentice at the Institute for Orchestral Studies
Recent USC Thornton alumnus William Cravy (BM, ’14) was selected as a performing apprentice for the Canadian National Arts Centre Orchestra (NAC) as part of the orchestra’s Institute for Orchestral Studies. Cravy, a double bassist who studied with Strings faculty David Allen Moore and was a three-time Provost’s Undergraduate Research Fellow at USC, is one of five apprentices for… Continue reading William Cravy (BM, ’14) named National Arts Centre Orchestra apprentice at the Institute for Orchestral Studies
Kate Belshé (MM, ’13) appointed conductor of Jerusalem Oratorio Chamber Choir
USC Thornton Choral and Sacred Music alumna Kate Belshé (MM, ’13) was appointed conductor of the Jerusalem Oratorio Chamber Choir in Israel. The choir sings a varied repertoire of classical liturgical and secular music from the Renaissance to the present, including Israeli and Jewish music and arrangements of songs from around the world. The choir performs regularly… Continue reading Kate Belshé (MM, ’13) appointed conductor of Jerusalem Oratorio Chamber Choir
Hans Kristian Goldstein and Erick Chong place in top five at Alice & Eleonore Schoenfeld International String Competition
Current USC Thornton students Hans Kristian Goldstein (MM, ’15) and Erick Chong (BM, ’18) triumphed in the final rounds of this year’s Alice & Eleonore Schoenfeld International String Competition held in Harbin, China. Both students competed in the Professional Cello Division, with Goldstein placing third and Chong placing fifth. Chong also took home fourth place in the Chamber Ensemble Division with his… Continue reading Hans Kristian Goldstein and Erick Chong place in top five at Alice & Eleonore Schoenfeld International String Competition
Matthew Nielsen awarded Barlow Endowment Foundation commission
Current USC Thornton DMA student in Choral Music, Matthew Nielsen (DMA ’16), was awarded a Barlow Endowment Foundation commission to craft new work that will premiere in 2016 as a part of the Endowment’s performing consortium. Nielsen, who is currently studying under the tutelage of USC Distinguished Professor of Composition Morten Lauridsen, was selected from… Continue reading Matthew Nielsen awarded Barlow Endowment Foundation commission
Ross Garren (BM, ’08) to attend Sundance Institute Music and Sound Design Lab
Ross Garren (BM, ’08) was recently chosen to attend the Sundance Institute Music and Sound Design Lab at Skywalker Sound. Garren, who was named Outstanding Graduate in Composition during his time at USC Thornton, is part of a select group of composers chosen to attend. The program will take place at the Skywalker Ranch in Northern… Continue reading Ross Garren (BM, ’08) to attend Sundance Institute Music and Sound Design Lab
Francisco Garcia Fullana wins Brahams International Violin Competition
Francisco Garcia Fullana (GCRT, ’15), a current USC Thornton Graduate Certificate student in Strings studying under Jascha Heifetz Chair in Violin, Midori Goto, won 1st prize at the Brahms International Violin Competition in Pörtschach, Austria. After an intensive three-round process with 81 talented young violinists, Fullana triumphed over the competition, and will receive EUR 2500 (USD $3240) for taking… Continue reading Francisco Garcia Fullana wins Brahams International Violin Competition
USC Thornton Percussion student Brice Burton wins Modern Snare Drum Competition
USC Thornton School of Music Percussion major Brice Burton (BM, ’15) took first place in Division I of the Modern Snare Drum Competition in May 2014. Organized by the Atlanta Symphony, this annual event for young percussionists attracts talent from all around the world. Burton is the first USC Thornton student to take top honors in the competition.
Dale Trumbore (MM, ’11) wins Busan Choral Composition Competition
Dale Trumbore (MM, ’11), a composition alumna who studied under the tutelage of Donald Crockett and Morten Lauridsen, recently won the Busan Choral Composition Competition. As a part of the win, Trumbore will travel Busan, South Korea in October. There, her piece “Chant for Winter” will be performed by the Korean Ansan City Choir. The former USC Sadye… Continue reading Dale Trumbore (MM, ’11) wins Busan Choral Composition Competition