Posts Tagged ‘Alumni’


Photo of singer & actress Renée Elise Goldsberry.

Renée Elise Goldsberry to star in “All In: A Broadway Comedy About Love”

November 13, 2024

Tony Winner and Jazz Studies alum Renée Elise Goldsberry (MM ’97) will star in All In: A Broadway Comedy About Love, premiering Dec. 11 at the Hudson Theatre in New York. Written by Simon Rich and directed by Alex Timbers, All In is a series of hilarious stories about dating, heartbreak and marriage. The production… Continue reading Renée Elise Goldsberry to star in “All In: A Broadway Comedy About Love”


Photo of a woman in a black dress on a red carpet holding an Emmy award.

Katya Richardson wins New York Emmy for “Keeping the Pinelands” score

November 6, 2024

USC Thornton Composition program alumna Katya Richardson (’19) won a New York Emmy Award for composing the score to the PBS special, Keeping the Pinelands. The documentary examines how people are finding new ways to help the forests of the New Jersey Pine Barrens survive. This is the composer’s first Emmy Award. *** Photo credit:… Continue reading Katya Richardson wins New York Emmy for “Keeping the Pinelands” score


photo of a woman holding a cello and smiling off to the side

Cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins to perform at Wigmore Hall

November 4, 2024

After winning the 2023 Pierre Fournier Award, cellist and USC Thornton alumna Annie Jacobs-Perkins (’18) will perform her debut recital at London’s Wigmore Hall on Nov. 26, accompanied on the piano by Dina Ivanova. To purchase tickets, click here.


Headshot of RZA

Platoon and RZA present “A Ballet Through Mud” featuring USC Thornton musicians

October 31, 2024

Famed artist RZA, in partnership with the label Platoon, will present his classical album A Ballet Through Mud at the Los Angeles Theatre on Nov. 4. Conducted by Oliver Zeffman, the concert will be performed by USC Thornton students and alumni, following an introduction by KUSC and Classical California. Originally performed by the Colorado Symphony… Continue reading Platoon and RZA present “A Ballet Through Mud” featuring USC Thornton musicians


Black and white square image of composer Ludwig Goranssen.

Ludwig Göransson to compose score for Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners”

October 9, 2024

USC Thornton Screen Scoring program alumnus Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) will compose the score for Ryan Coogler’s upcoming horror film, Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld. Göransson is also an executive producer on the film, which premieres in theatres on March 7, 2025. Watch the trailer here. *** Photo courtesy of USC Thornton


Composer Juan Pablo Contreras standing at a conductor's podium dressed in a concert suit.

Juan Pablo Contreras’ “La Minerva” receives 2024 Latin Grammy nomination

September 30, 2024

Juan Pablo Contreras (DMA ’21), a USC Thornton Composition program faculty member and alumnus, received a Latin Grammy nomination in the Best Classical Contemporary Composition category for his violin concerto, La Minerva. La Minerva was recently performed by Orquesta Latino Mexicana, an ensemble Contreras founded in 2019, and soloist Angélica Olivo. Watch the recording here.… Continue reading Juan Pablo Contreras’ “La Minerva” receives 2024 Latin Grammy nomination


Composer Katya Richardson holding a potted plant

Katya Richardson conducts her score from “The Last Repair Shop” in Union Station concert

September 23, 2024

USC Thornton Composition program alumna Katya Richardson (’19) conducted her score and Kris Bowers’ themes from The Last Repair Shop in a concert held at Union Station on September 7. Richardson led an ensemble of musicians who also performed on the original documentary soundtrack. Hosted my Metro Art Los Angeles, the community concert included a… Continue reading Katya Richardson conducts her score from “The Last Repair Shop” in Union Station concert


Patrice Rushen sitting and smiling at the piano

Patrice Rushen to perform in Walt Disney Concert Hall

September 11, 2024

USC Thornton Popular Music program faculty member Patrice Rushen will perform a piano concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall on May 2, 2025 for the LA Phil’s jazz series. The Grammy-nominated artist recently completed her 2024 European Summer Tour, which featured 13 sold-out shows across Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Tickets for her upcoming… Continue reading Patrice Rushen to perform in Walt Disney Concert Hall


Michelle Kardos

Michelle Kardos named director of education for American Guild of Organists

September 2, 2024

USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music alumna Michelle Kardos (DMA ’24) was named the director of education for the American Guild of Organists (AGO). The American Guild of Organists is an international organization for professional organists working in religious and academic institutions. As the director of education, Kardos will be responsible for overseeing and strengthening… Continue reading Michelle Kardos named director of education for American Guild of Organists


Louis Cole

Louis Cole featured on NPR

August 26, 2024

USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Louis Cole (’09) was featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” where he discussed his new orchestral album, nothing. Cole recently performed original choral music for the first time for a 40-person choir in the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. nothing also taps into new musical territory for Cole, who… Continue reading Louis Cole featured on NPR