Marek Szpakiewicz appointed Director of String Studies at Azusa Pacific
Cellist and USC Thornton alumnus Marek Szpakiewicz (MM ’01, DMA ’08) has been appointed Director of String Studies at Azusa Pacific University’s School of Music. Szpakiewicz has been teaching cello and chamber music at APU since 2005 and has served as Director of Chamber Music since 2014. His students have won top prizes at numerous… Continue reading Marek Szpakiewicz appointed Director of String Studies at Azusa Pacific
Alum Ben Adelson makes Billboard’s “40 under 40” list of “Young Power Players”
USC Thornton Music Industry alumnus Ben Adelson (’09, Music Industry) recently made Billboard Magazine’s list of “40 under 40: Music’s Top Young Power Players Revealed.” Adelson, who is a Senior Vice President at Republic Records, led Cleveland-based blues-rockers Welshly Arms to generate 6.5 million U.S. streams of their single “Legendary,” and also nurtured singer-songwriter Noah… Continue reading Alum Ben Adelson makes Billboard’s “40 under 40” list of “Young Power Players”
Argus Quartet wins prestigious Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition
The Argus Quartet recently won first prize in the annual Concert Artists Guild’s Victor Elmaleh Competition. The quartet includes USC Thornton alumni Clara Kim (DM ’15, violin) and Jason Issokan (MM ’10, violin), along with violist Dana Kelley and cellist Jo Whang. Along with co-winner, pianist Dominic Cheli, the quartet will receive a cash prize… Continue reading Argus Quartet wins prestigious Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition
Thornton alumni create the Los Angeles Film Conductor’s Intensive
USC Thornton alumni David Newman (MM ’82, Violin) and Angel Velez (MA ’14, Music Education) have teamed to create the Los Angeles Film Conductor’s Intensive (LAFCI), a conductor training program designed for media composers. LAFCI hosts regular workshops and seminars to train artists in the nuances of conducting for film, television, and video game recording… Continue reading Thornton alumni create the Los Angeles Film Conductor’s Intensive
Andrew Brownell takes piano position at UT-Austin
Andrew Brownell (MM ’03, Keyboard Studies) recently took the position of Assistant Professor of Piano at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin. Brownell tutored at the University of Cambridge for five years and taught at the Koninklijk Conservatorium in Antwerp. He has worked with orchestras such as the Hallé… Continue reading Andrew Brownell takes piano position at UT-Austin
Guild of Music Supervisors conference held at USC
Last week, The Guild of Music Supervisors held its 3rd annual “State of Music in Media” conference at USC’s Bovard Auditorium, convening a series of panels featuring some of the brightest talents in the field. The event was organized with help from USC Thornton Music Industry chair Paul Young, and included music supervisors and show… Continue reading Guild of Music Supervisors conference held at USC
Alumnus Manny Sanoja self-publishes book
USC Thornton Vocal Arts alumnus Manny Sanoja (BA ’14) has published a book entitled Enlightening Awakening: A Practical Guide to Self Awareness, Hope and Healing. Sanoja’s life-long love of music performance, interrupted by the death of his father, eventually compelled him to pursue his vocal and operatic studies. He later left the music world to… Continue reading Alumnus Manny Sanoja self-publishes book
Chicago Symphony premieres commission by Elizabeth Ogonek
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra recently premiered a commission by USC Thornton alumna Elizabeth Ogonek (MM ’12, Composition), who is serving a three-year term as composer-in-residence with the ensemble. Music director Riccardo Muti led the premiere of All These Lighted Things on September 28th, with performances to follow in Kansas City (Oct. 11) and Berkeley (Oct.… Continue reading Chicago Symphony premieres commission by Elizabeth Ogonek
Five Thornton musicians win principal positions with the American Youth Symphony
Five USC Thornton students and alumni have become principal chairs with the Los Angeles-based American Youth Symphony for the 2017-18 season. Student Tiffany Chung will serve as principal second violin, alongside principal oboe Laura Arganbright, and principal clarinet Sergio Coelho (GRCT ’16), while alumna Lieza Hansen (MM ’16) will serve as principal bassoon and Amy… Continue reading Five Thornton musicians win principal positions with the American Youth Symphony
Ethan Sperry named Endowed Professor at Portland State University
USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music alumnus Ethan Sperry (MM ’98, DMA ’00, choral music) has been named an endowed professor at Portland State University (PSU). He is the first to receive the professorship position, formally titled the “Barre Stoll Director of Choral Activities.” Under his direction, the university’s choirs have won multiple awards and… Continue reading Ethan Sperry named Endowed Professor at Portland State University