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
Clarinetist alumni win orchestra positions with New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic
USC Thornton Winds & Percussion alumni Benjamin Adler (MM ‘14) and Taylor Eiffert (MM ’18) begun new orchestra positions in the 2023-24 season. The alumni studied under Thornton faculty member Yehuda Gilad. Adler won the associate principal clarinet position with the New York Philharmonic. He previously held positions with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and St.… Continue reading Clarinetist alumni win orchestra positions with New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic
Patrice Rushen awarded at USC Academic Honors Convocation
Patrice Rushen, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Popular Music program, was honored with the USC Associates Award for Artistic Expression at the Academic Honors Convocation on April 2. The annual event honors standout students and faculty among USC’s large community of scholars. In her opening remarks, President Carol Folt recognized Rushen for “giving… Continue reading Patrice Rushen awarded at USC Academic Honors Convocation
Gustavo Dudamel to conduct Nina Shekhar’s New York premiere of “The Mother is Standing”
Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will conduct USC Thornton Composition alumna Nina Shekhar’s The Mother is Standing at the New York Philharmonic’s Spring Gala on April 24. Dedicated to Shekhar’s mother, the piece examines the love between a mother and child across cultures and religions. This year’s Spring Gala… Continue reading Gustavo Dudamel to conduct Nina Shekhar’s New York premiere of “The Mother is Standing”
Austin Wintory conducts 2024 Game Developers Conference performance in San Francisco
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Austin Wintory (‘07) conducted a live instrumental performance at the 2024 Game Developers Conference on March 20 in San Francisco. Co-hosted by voice actor Troy Baker, the performance showcased influential and award-winning game scores throughout history, with a focus on this last year. The concert was presented in accompaniment with… Continue reading Austin Wintory conducts 2024 Game Developers Conference performance in San Francisco
Ludwig Göransson wins 2024 BAFTA Award for “Oppenheimer” score
Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) won a 2024 BAFTA Award in the Best Original Score category for his soundtrack to Oppenheimer, marking the composer’s first BAFTA Award. The awards ceremony was held on Feb. 18 at The Royal Festival Hall in London. Oppenheimer led with wins in seven categories.
Alumni garner nominations in 2024 Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards
Several USC Thornton alumni have been nominated in the fifth annual Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in music for visual media. Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) was nominated for Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film with Oppenheimer. Allyson Newman (GCRT ’05) received a nomination for Outstanding Original Song… Continue reading Alumni garner nominations in 2024 Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards
Screen Scoring alumni awarded in 2023 Children’s & Family Emmys
USC Thornton Screen Scoring program alumni Alex Nickson (’03), Bob Lydecker (’08, GCRT ’09) and Kevin Lax (’08, GCRT ’09) were awarded in the second annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards on Dec. 16. They won in the category of Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for an Animated Program with the Netflix series, Kung Fu… Continue reading Screen Scoring alumni awarded in 2023 Children’s & Family Emmys