Musical America names Benjamin Mitchell and Christopher Koelsch “Professionals of the Year”

Musical America has named USC Thornton student Benjamin Mitchell as one of its “Professionals of the Year,” in a focus on artistic innovators and entrepreneurs. Mitchell, a clarinetist and GCRT candidate in the Arts Leadership program, founded the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, which is currently thriving in its third season.

Christopher Koelsch, president and CEO of Los Angeles Opera and a member of the USC Thornton Board of Councilors, was also named a Musical America Professional of the Year. The organization lauded Koelsch’s “Opera Off-Grand” initiative for re-framing his company’s relationship with local opera audiences.