Platoon and RZA present “A Ballet Through Mud” featuring USC Thornton musicians
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
Ludwig Göransson to compose score for Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners”
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
Juan Pablo Contreras’ “La Minerva” receives 2024 Latin Grammy nomination
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
Katya Richardson conducts her score from “The Last Repair Shop” in Union Station concert
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 to perform in Walt Disney Concert Hall
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 named director of education for American Guild of Organists
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 featured on NPR
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
New York Philharmonic performs Nina Shekhar’s “Lumina” in China
On June 28, the New York Philharmonic performed composer Nina Shekhar‘s (MM ’20) “Lumina” at the Guangzhou Opera House in China. Her piece was featured alongside works by Mahler and Brahms. The concert was conducted by music director of the New York Philharmonic, Jaap van Zweden. *** Photo by Shervin Lainez
Patrice Rushen honored at 2024 Black Music Honors
USC Thornton Popular Music program faculty member Patrice Rushen was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ninth annual Black Music Honors. The ceremony, which recognizes artists who have contributed to African-American culture and American music, took place on May 18 in Atlanta, Georgia. “We are extremely proud to bring more visibility to these… Continue reading Patrice Rushen honored at 2024 Black Music Honors
Composer Nina Shekhar to present world premiere of “Glitter Monster” with LACO
Composer and USC Thornton alumna Nina Shekhar (MM ’20) will present the world premiere of a Sound Investment commissioned piece, Glitter Monster, with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for their final concert of the 2023-24 season. Conducted by Jaime Martín, the program will also feature Gabriela Montero’s rendition of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in… Continue reading Composer Nina Shekhar to present world premiere of “Glitter Monster” with LACO