Student


Vincent Meklis invited to perform at International Holland Music Sessions

October 7, 2014

Strings student Vincent Meklis (BA, ’14, GC, ’16), who currently studies under USC Distinguished Professor Midori Goto, performed in the Netherlands this past summer as part of the International Holland Music Sessions. Meklis, who specializes in the violin, performed seven times at the festival and received intensive coaching and personalized instruction from internationally renowned musicians… Continue reading Vincent Meklis invited to perform at International Holland Music Sessions


Morgan Middleton to perform at Congressional Black Caucus Foundation events

September 22, 2014

Morgan Middleton (BM, ’15) will perform at the Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The CBCF advances the global Black community through premier research and educational advancement. Middleton, who currently studies under USC Thornton Vocal Arts faculty Cynthia Munzer, was also awarded the… Continue reading Morgan Middleton to perform at Congressional Black Caucus Foundation events


Annelle Gregory records album with USC Thornton DMA candidate Alexander Sinchuk

September 18, 2014

Current USC Thornton Strings student Annelle Gregory (BM, ’17) recently released an album of violin and piano works featuring USC Thornton DMA student, Alexander Sinchuk. The album, Annelle K. Gregory & Alexander Sinchuk: Grieg, Mozart, Szymanowski, includes Sonata for Violin and Piano in G major by Mozart, Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano by Grieg, and Nocturne and… Continue reading Annelle Gregory records album with USC Thornton DMA candidate Alexander Sinchuk


DMA student Yoshika Masuda wins first prize at All-Japan VIVA HALL Cello Competition

September 17, 2014

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


Hans Kristian Goldstein and Erick Chong place in top five at Alice & Eleonore Schoenfeld International String Competition

September 16, 2014

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

September 11, 2014

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


Francisco Garcia Fullana wins Brahams International Violin Competition

September 9, 2014

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

September 8, 2014

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.


Somang Jeagal awarded grand prize at Washington International Competition for Piano

June 9, 2014

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


Evan Pensis wins Grand Prize at Kennedy Center VSA International Young Soloists Competition

May 13, 2014

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.