Austin Wintory to conduct 2026 BAFTA Games in Concert
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Austin Wintory (’07) is set to conduct the BAFTA Games in Concert in Jan. 2026 at Royal Festival Hall. Celebrating 20 years of the BAFTA Games Awards, the concert features soundtracks ranging from household names to those from pioneering independent studios. “I take a certain delight in programming into the… Continue reading Austin Wintory to conduct 2026 BAFTA Games in Concert
USC alum Lenny Waronker inducted into 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
USC alum and former Thornton Board of Councilors member Lenny Waronker was recently inducted into the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Waronker is best known for his historic tenure as head of Warner Brothers A&R through the ‘70s and president through the ‘80s, where he groundbreakingly prioritized creative integrity over commercial pressure. Having… Continue reading USC alum Lenny Waronker inducted into 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Michael Abels discusses diversity regression at 2025 WSA Film Music Days
USC Thornton alumnus and founder Michael Abels (‘84), Sandro Morales-Santoro and Amritha Vaz of Composers Diversity Collective (CDC) spoke at a panel at the Music Days at Film Fest Gent. Winners of the World Soundtrack Awards Industry Award, which recognizes meaningful contribution in the film music industry, the CDC aims to overcome barriers of cultural… Continue reading Michael Abels discusses diversity regression at 2025 WSA Film Music Days
Cody Westheimer directs and scores climate change documentary, “Saving the Foothills”
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Cody Westheimer (’01) has taken on the roles of director and composer for the climate change documentary, Saving the Foothills. The film captures the determined efforts of community members and organizations as they unite to protect 101 acres of the West Mesa in the San Marcos Foothills from development. Their… Continue reading Cody Westheimer directs and scores climate change documentary, “Saving the Foothills”
SAKURA Cello Quintet to release debut album, Clair de Lune
The SAKURA Cello Quintet—comprised of Stella Cho (’12, MM ’14, DMA ’22), Michael Kaufman (MM ’12, DMA ’15), Yoshika Masuda (GCRT ’12, DMA ’16), Peter Myers (MM ’10, GCRT ’13) and Zachary Mowitz—will release their debut album Clair de Lune on September 19 via Platoon. The album spans five centuries of music, including pieces by… Continue reading SAKURA Cello Quintet to release debut album, Clair de Lune
Screen Scoring alumni win in 77th Emmy Awards
USC Thornton Screen Scoring alumni David Bertok (GCRT ’13), Duncan Thum (‘06, GCRT ‘13) and Christopher Lennertz (’95) were winners in the 77th Emmy Awards, which recognize excellence in television programming and individual achievement. This year, there were a total of nine Thornton alumni nominated in the music composition and direction categories. David Bertok (GCRT… Continue reading Screen Scoring alumni win in 77th Emmy Awards
Forbes interviews Bear McCreary about “God of War” music
Bear McCreary (’02), a USC Thornton Composition program alumnus, was interviewed by Forbes about his music for the video game God of War. Journalist Joshua Lamb traced the game’s musical history from its conception in 2005 to the 2022 sequel, God of War Ragnarök, which McCreary composed. In the article, McCreary discussed his initial draw towards… Continue reading Forbes interviews Bear McCreary about “God of War” music
Sarah Trevino scored “The Map That Leads to You”
USC Thornton Screen Scoring program alumna Sarah Trevino (MM ’18) scored Lasse Hallström’s film, The Map That Leads to You, released August 20 on Prime Video. An adaptation of the novel of the same name by Joseph Monninger, the movie follows Heather (Madelyn Cline), a young woman who embarks on a European adventure and meets… Continue reading Sarah Trevino scored “The Map That Leads to You”
Chanda Dancy scored Yaniv Raz’s film “Eternal Return”
USC Thornton Screen Scoring program graduate Chanda Dancy (GRCT ‘04) scored Yaniv Raz’s film Eternal Return, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 8. Starring Naomi Scott, Kit Harington and Simon Callow, the film depicts an adventurous trio journeying back through time in search of the power to love again. *** Courtesy of… Continue reading Chanda Dancy scored Yaniv Raz’s film “Eternal Return”
Composer Dale Trumbore awarded Barlow Endowment General Commission
Dale Trumbore (MM ’11), a USC Thornton Composition program alumna, was awarded a General Commission from the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition at Brigham Young University. Trumbore was selected from a competitive pool of applicants to craft a new work for Joel Balzun. *** Photo courtesy of Dale Trumbore.