Chanda Dancy composed score for “One of Them Days”
USC Thornton Screen Scoring program graduate Chanda Dancy (GRCT ‘04) composed the score for the comedy film One of Them Days, released on January 17. Starring Keke Palmer and SZA, the film follows two roommates who go to extreme lengths to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact. Dancy is an accomplished film and TV… Continue reading Chanda Dancy composed score for “One of Them Days”
Paul Cornish signs with Blue Note Records
USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Paul Cornish (‘18) has signed with Blue Note Records and will release his debut album this summer. The Los Angeles-based pianist and composer performed in the NYC Winter Jazzfest’s Brooklyn Marathon on Jan. 11. “Blue Note Records has meant a lot, not only to me, but also my hometown of… Continue reading Paul Cornish signs with Blue Note Records
USC Thornton alumni perform for 60th Presidential Inauguration
USC Thornton alumni Ben Gunnarson (MM ’24), Andrew Jacobi (MM ’14, GCRT ’16) and Mary La Blanc (’22) participated in the 60th Inauguration of the President of the United States on January 20, 2025. As members of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, they performed at the swearing-in ceremony and marched in the inaugural… Continue reading USC Thornton alumni perform for 60th Presidential Inauguration
Ambrose Akinmusire announces new album, honey from a winter stone
Composer, trumpeter and USC Thornton Jazz Studies department alumnus Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ‘07) announced his new album, honey from a winter stone, will be released via Nonesuch Records on Jan. 17. The album features improvisational vocalist KOKAYI, pianist Sam Harris, Chiquitamagic on synthesizer, drummer Justin Brown and Mivos Quartet. The opening track, “muffled screams,” is… Continue reading Ambrose Akinmusire announces new album, honey from a winter stone
Michael Abels and Austin Wintory commissioned by LACO to create new orchestral works
USC Thornton alumni Michael Abels (‘84) and Austin Wintory (‘07) were recently commissioned by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra to compose original orchestral works for the concert hall. LACO received $2 million from the “Joan and Jeff Beal Fund for Living Composers” to commission the composers. Abels is expected to write a concerto for the… Continue reading Michael Abels and Austin Wintory commissioned by LACO to create new orchestral works
Ludwig Göransson receives 2024 Eliason Merit Award
Acclaimed composer Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) has received the 2024 Eliason Merit Award from the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce – Los Angeles (SACC-LA), announced on Nov. 1. “It is a profound honor to receive the Eliason Merit Award,” Göransson said in a statement. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible opportunities I’ve had to… Continue reading Ludwig Göransson receives 2024 Eliason Merit Award
Renée Elise Goldsberry to star in “All In: A Broadway Comedy About Love”
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”
Katya Richardson wins New York Emmy for “Keeping the Pinelands” score
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
Cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins to perform at Wigmore Hall
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.
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