Scott Rieker Named Semi-Finalist in American Prize for Composition
Dr. Scott Rieker’s (DMA, ‘19), Director of Choral Music & Music Education, was named a semi-finalist in the American Prize for Composition, in the Choral Music division for his setting of five poems by former US Poet Laurate, Ted Kooser, entitled “Ted Kooser Suite.”
William Kanengiser and Scott Tennant perform at the Albany Symphony season finale
USC Thornton faculty members William Kanengiser and Scott Tenant perform a weekend of solo and duo works for classical guitar as part of the Albany Symphony’s season finale.
Etienne Gara named Soraya’s next Artist in Residence
Violinist and USC Thornton alum Etienne Gara has been named Soraya’s next Artist in Residence. To kick off the two-year residency, The Soraya will present MusiKaravan, a series of short films to begin airing on May 6th, that follow Gara and fellow Delirium Musicum member YuEun Kim (GCRT ‘15, AD ‘17) on a pandemic road trip across California as they safely spread music and joy. One new episode will be released every Thursday throughout the summer on The Soraya’s and MusiKaravan’s social media channels.
USC Thornton alums featured in new video by Olivia Rodrigo
The latest music video from chart-topping artist Olivia Rodrigo was a family affair for the USC Thornton School of Music, with alumni included from both the Studio Guitar and Popular Music programs. A live performance of Rodrigo’s new single, “favorite crime,” for Vevo LIFT features alumni from the Popular Music program including Liv Slingerland ’15… Continue reading USC Thornton alums featured in new video by Olivia Rodrigo
Relaye profiled in Daily Trojan
USC alum Isaac Lucas (MI ’15), also known under his stage name Relaye, was profiled by the Daily Trojan about his career path as a producer so far.
Renée Elise Goldsberry to co-star in Marvel’s “She-Hulk” series
Tony winner and Jazz Studies alum Renée Elise Goldsberry (MM ’97) will be co-starring in Marvel’s new Disney+ series, “She-Hulk”.
Garrett McQueen’s “Trilloquy” podcast featured in the New York Times
“Trilloquy,” a podcast hosted by USC Thornton alum Garrett McQueen (MM ‘12) and Scott Blankenship was featured in a New York Times article about the recent flourishing of classical music podcasts.
Jensen McRae interviewed by The Wall Street Journal
Popular Music alum Jensen McRae (BM ’19) was featured in a Wall Street Journal article about vaccine-themed songs for her single, “Immune”. The song is about “two friends who hook up in their car while waiting in the long line at the Dodger Stadium vaccination site and spiral out about what the future holds.” McRae originally… Continue reading Jensen McRae interviewed by The Wall Street Journal
Nina Shekhar selected to be Young Concert Artist’s Composer-in-Residence for 2021
Thornton alum Nina Shekhar (MM ’20, Composition) has been selected to be the Young Concert Artist’s Composer-in-Residence for 2021. The residency includes a 3-year management contract and a substantial financial package for three commissions. Shekhar is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Princeton University and also serves as a Composer Teaching Artist Fellow for the Los Angeles… Continue reading Nina Shekhar selected to be Young Concert Artist’s Composer-in-Residence for 2021
Remi Wolf selected for Fender Next Class of 2021
USC Thornton alum Remi Wolf (BM ’18) was selected amongst 25 rising artists as part of the Fender Next Class of 2021. The program is designed to elevate rising musicians that are pushing guitar forward in music and culture. Each artist will receive Fender guitars and amps, as well as marketing support from the company.… Continue reading Remi Wolf selected for Fender Next Class of 2021