Rixiang Huang releases new solo album of Scarlatti sonatas
Pianist and USC Thornton Keyboard Studies alumnus Rixiang Huang (DMA ’23) recently released his fourth solo album, Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas, Vol. 30, via Naxos Records. The album features 17 sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, presenting a range of expressive and stylistic contrasts. “This recording represents a deeply personal milestone in my artistic journey, and I’m… Continue reading Rixiang Huang releases new solo album of Scarlatti sonatas
Pianist Esther Lee makes Carnegie Hall debut
On March 16, USC Thornton Keyboard Studies alumna Esther Lee (GCRT ’15, DMA ’19) made her Carnegie Hall debut as a pianist for the world premiere of Elliott Bark’s Mercy for Violin, Cello, Piano and Orchestra, presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York. Entitled “A Vision of Light,” the concert showcased choral and orchestral works… Continue reading Pianist Esther Lee makes Carnegie Hall debut
Ludwig Göransson featured in L.A. Times on the making of Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners”
USC Thornton Screen Scoring program graduate Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) was featured in a Los Angeles Times article about the creative process behind Ryan Coogler’s horror film, Sinners, released on April 18. The film was heralded as “a culmination of [Göransson and Coogler’s] unique creative partnership, a deeply personal celebration of their shared love of… Continue reading Ludwig Göransson featured in L.A. Times on the making of Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners”
Amanda Nova plays with Yo-Yo Ma at fundraiser celebration for LAUSD instrument repair program
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies program student Amanda Nova played with cellist Yo-Yo Ma at a fundraiser event on April 6, celebrating a $1 million gift to “The Last Repair Shop” campaign. Donations to the fundraiser will help safeguard the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) program providing 130,000 free, repaired instruments for students. A Fairfax… Continue reading Amanda Nova plays with Yo-Yo Ma at fundraiser celebration for LAUSD instrument repair program
ArcoStrum perform in “Musicians on the Rise” concert at Kaufman Music Center
USC Thornton DMA candidate in Classical Guitar Tengyue (Ty) Zhang and Strings program alumnus Strauss Shi (MM ’19), now known as ArcoStrum, performed at the Kaufman Music Center on April 4 as part of the “Musicians on the Rise” concert series. The violin-guitar duo reimagines Chinese traditional music, modern rock and classical masterworks. ArcoStrum was… Continue reading ArcoStrum perform in “Musicians on the Rise” concert at Kaufman Music Center
Tyler Eschendal premiered “ACTIONS” at Lineage Performing Arts Center
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Tyler Eschendal (MM ’18) premiered his latest work, “ACTIONS,” at the Lineage Performing Arts Center in Pasadena on March 29-30. According to the program note, “ACTIONS” is part of five interconnected movements exploring the musicality of speech and communication. Each movement presents a different verbal or physical action (Arguing, Acting,… Continue reading Tyler Eschendal premiered “ACTIONS” at Lineage Performing Arts Center
Caroline Wilkins Wins Principal Harp Position
USC Thornton Harp Performance alumna Caroline Wilkins (‘16, MM ‘19) won the principal harp position with the Boise Philharmonic. Wilkins, who studied under JoAnn Turovsky, has served as principal harpist with the American Youth Symphony, the Debut Chamber Orchestra and the USC Thornton Symphony. She is the 2019 grand prize winner of the American Harp… Continue reading Caroline Wilkins Wins Principal Harp Position
Troy Quinn to conduct Nas with the Boston Pops
Troy Quinn, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Conducting program, will lead a Boston Pops program featuring rapper Nas on June 27 at Tanglewood. The concert is part of Tanglewood’s Popular Artist Series. Quinn made his Boston Symphony Orchestra debut at their New Year’s Eve celebration. *** Photo courtesy of USC Thornton.
Raashi Kulkarni Composed Score for “A Nice Indian Boy”
USC Thornton Screen Scoring program alumna Raashi Kulkarni (MM ’18, GCRT ’16) composed the score for the film, A Nice Indian Boy, released on April 4. Kulkarni’s score blends rich Indian musical elements and Western orchestral traditions, while also balancing Bollywood influences with a modern pop sensibility. The film is an adaptation of a 15-year-old… Continue reading Raashi Kulkarni Composed Score for “A Nice Indian Boy”
Juan Pablo Contreras named co-chair of New Music USA’s Board of Directors
Juan Pablo Contreras (DMA ’21), a USC Thornton Composition program faculty member and alumnus, was named the new co-chair of New Music USA’s Board of Directors alongside Anne-Marie Spataru, effective July 1, 2025. Contreras and Spataru will guide New Music USA into its next chapter, as the organization’s Board begins recruitment for its next president… Continue reading Juan Pablo Contreras named co-chair of New Music USA’s Board of Directors