Extraordinary young organist begins studies at USC Thornton
Incoming USC Thornton freshman Organ Studies major Ethan Haman was the subject of a recent feature profile by the Los Altos Town Crier. The 17-year-old began serving as his church’s official organist three years ago and has since gone on to study with master organists in Europe. Haman’s Northern California community bid him farewell with… Continue reading Extraordinary young organist begins studies at USC Thornton
Guitar student Jason Lewis featured on NPR’s “From the Top”
USC Thornton Classical Guitar student Jason Lewis (BM ’19), was a featured performer on the June 28, 2015 episode of NPR’s From the Top with Host Christopher O’Riley. The 18 year-old guitarist and dual neuroscience/music major from Glencoe, Illinois, performed works by Leo Brouwer and Roland Dyens, for the show, which was recorded in Boston.… Continue reading Guitar student Jason Lewis featured on NPR’s “From the Top”
Michael Lee receives commission from New York Virtuoso Singers
Composer and USC Thornton Composition doctoral candidate Michael Lee has received a commission from the New York Virtuoso Singers to compose a work, which will be premiered in New York City this fall. The ensemble is regarded as the nation’s “leading exponent of contemporary choral music.” Lee’s works music have previously been performed by the… Continue reading Michael Lee receives commission from New York Virtuoso Singers
HOCKET new music ensemble makes waves at Carlsbad Music Festival
The new music duo, HOCKET, which includes current USC Thornton D.M.A. Composition student, Thomas Kotcheff (M.M. ’12, composition) and Composition faculty member Sarah Gibson (M.M. ’10, composition; D.M.A. ’15, composition), recently performed in a series of concerts at the Carlsbad Music Festival. The duo performed compositions by David Lang, Alex Weiser, Aaron Holloway-Nahum, and Tristan… Continue reading HOCKET new music ensemble makes waves at Carlsbad Music Festival
Vocal Arts alumnus Timur Bekbosunov featured on PRI’s The World
USC Thornton Vocal Arts alumus Timur Bekbosunov (GCRT ’06) was recently profiled by Public Radio International (PRI) for it’s radio program, The World. The operatic tenor and glam-rock band-leader has found great success in Southern California, performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, REDCAT, wildUp, Long Beach Opera and the Industry –… Continue reading Vocal Arts alumnus Timur Bekbosunov featured on PRI’s The World
Student Vijay Venkatesh to perform in Parnassus Society Award Concert
Vijay Venkatesh (BM ’17, piano performance), currently a student in the USC Thornton Keyboard Studies program under Norman Krieger, is also winning international acclaim as a concert soloist. The Orange County Register recently published a profile of Venkatesh, who will perform at the Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo on August 30 as part… Continue reading Student Vijay Venkatesh to perform in Parnassus Society Award Concert
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
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
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
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