Composition alumnus scores soundtrack for Universal Pictures’ “A Walk Among The Tombstones”
Carlos Rivera (MM ’04, DMA ’10) has recently scored the soundtrack for Universal Pictures’ upcoming release, A Walk Among The Tombstones, starring Liam Neeson. Rivera recently signed with agent Amos Newman at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME), whose clients include Hans Zimmer, Trent Reznor and Ennio Morricone. Scoring his first motion picture allowed Rivera the… Continue reading Composition alumnus scores soundtrack for Universal Pictures’ “A Walk Among The Tombstones”
Choral and Sacred Music alumna named Director of UCLA Chorale and UCLA Chamber Singers
USC Thornton alumna, Lesley Leighton (DMA, ’12) has joined the UCLA Department of Music as both a Lecturer and as Director of the UCLA Chorale and UCLA Chamber Singers for the 2014-2015 academic year. Leighton, who received her DMA in choral music, has worked as the Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Artistic Director… Continue reading Choral and Sacred Music alumna named Director of UCLA Chorale and UCLA Chamber Singers
Michael Gorfaine
As partner and co-owner of the Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Michael Gorfaine represents the world’s most respected film composers for film and television (among them John Williams, James Newton Howard, Thomas Newman, James Horner, Michael Giacchino and Mike Post), songwriters and artists (including James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Glen Ballard), record producers, music supervisors, and music editors.… Continue reading Michael Gorfaine
Work by Jason Michael Saunders (MM, ’14) reviewed in Choral Journal
“Monotone,” a choral composition by alumnus Jason Michael Saunders (MM, ’14), was reviewed in the most recent edition of the American Choral Directors Association publication, Choral Journal. “With beautifully conjunct phrasing and accessible yet interesting phrasing,” writes reviewer Steven Grives, “Saunders has created a choral setting that can be performed by both amateur and professional ensembles.”
Somang Jeagal awarded grand prize at Washington International Competition for Piano
Somang Jeagal, a student in the Keyboard Studies Artist Diploma Program studying under faculty Kevin Fitz-Gerald, was awarded the grand prize in the 61st Washington International Competition for Piano on June 8, 2014. The award comes with a $10,000 financial prize, as well as a debut solo recital and concerto appearance at the Kennedy Center in… Continue reading Somang Jeagal awarded grand prize at Washington International Competition for Piano
Grant Gershon named Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale
The Los Angeles Master Chorale announced that Music Director and USC Thornton alumnus Grant Gershon will continue at the choir’s helm through the 2019-2020 season with the new title of Artistic Director. Gershon’s title change from Music Director to Artistic Director reflects the highly regarded conductor’s expanded vision to redefine the choral experience.
Morten Lauridsen to be featured guest at Valley Concert Chorale anniversary celebrations
USC Distinguished Professor of Composition Morten Lauridsen will serve as the guest of honor at this weekend’s “Morten Lauridsen Festival” in the San Francisco Bay Area. The event is being held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Valley Concert Chorale. During the festival, Lauridsen will host workshops for local high school and college… Continue reading Morten Lauridsen to be featured guest at Valley Concert Chorale anniversary celebrations
Evan Pensis wins Grand Prize at Kennedy Center VSA International Young Soloists Competition
Thornton student Evan Pensis was selected as a Grand Prize Winner for the Kennedy Center VSA International Young Soloists Competition. As a part of the award, he will travel to Washington, D.C. for a performance at the Kennedy Center on June 1.
Andrew Norman’s “Release” reviewed by Los Angeles Times
Composition faculty and USC Thornton alumnus Andrew Norman was praised by the Los Angeles Times for his composition “Release,” which premiered at the Walt Disney Concert Hall May 1. Reviewer Mark Swed called the work “wonderfully fresh,” and noted that the piece’s “climaxes rose and fell like the deep breaths of Zen monks meditating in… Continue reading Andrew Norman’s “Release” reviewed by Los Angeles Times
Frank Ticheli named Composer-In-Residence at the Hartt School, University of Hartford
From April 29 through May 4, Composition faculty Frank Ticheli will hold residency at the Hartt School, University of Hartford. Thirteen of his works will be performed by various Hartt School ensembles and community groups, including the orchestra, wind ensemble and symphonic band. Ticheli will also hold a masterclass for students involved in the school’s Young Composer… Continue reading Frank Ticheli named Composer-In-Residence at the Hartt School, University of Hartford