Dale Trumbore (MM, ’11) wins Busan Choral Composition Competition
Dale Trumbore (MM, ’11), a composition alumna who studied under the tutelage of Donald Crockett and Morten Lauridsen, recently won the Busan Choral Composition Competition. As a part of the win, Trumbore will travel Busan, South Korea in October. There, her piece “Chant for Winter” will be performed by the Korean Ansan City Choir. The former USC Sadye… Continue reading Dale Trumbore (MM, ’11) wins Busan Choral Composition Competition
Composition alumnus scores soundtrack for Universal Pictures’ “A Walk Among The Tombstones”
Carlos Rivera (MM ’04, DMA ’10) has recently scored the soundtrack for Universal Pictures’ upcoming release, A Walk Among The Tombstones, starring Liam Neeson. Rivera recently signed with agent Amos Newman at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME), whose clients include Hans Zimmer, Trent Reznor and Ennio Morricone. Scoring his first motion picture allowed Rivera the… Continue reading Composition alumnus scores soundtrack for Universal Pictures’ “A Walk Among The Tombstones”
Choral and Sacred Music alumna named Director of UCLA Chorale and UCLA Chamber Singers
USC Thornton alumna, Lesley Leighton (DMA, ’12) has joined the UCLA Department of Music as both a Lecturer and as Director of the UCLA Chorale and UCLA Chamber Singers for the 2014-2015 academic year. Leighton, who received her DMA in choral music, has worked as the Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Artistic Director… Continue reading Choral and Sacred Music alumna named Director of UCLA Chorale and UCLA Chamber Singers
Popular Music students, alumni to perform at Universal CityWalk
The USC Thornton School of Music’s Popular Music Program will showcase multi-talented USC Thornton students and alumni Aug. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the 5 Towers stage on Universal CityWalk. The free event, part of the Hollywood venue’s Music Spotlight Series, features performers representing a diverse selection of styles and musical genres, including folk rock, R&B,… Continue reading Popular Music students, alumni to perform at Universal CityWalk
Divya Maus (BM, ’14) profiled by USA Today College
Recent alumna Divya Maus, who studied songwriting in USC Thornton’s Popular Music Program, discussed her career as a vocalist and composer in an interview with USA Today College. Maus will enroll at NYU to pursue graduate studies in musical theatre composition in the fall. “I’m going into musical theater composition now because that’s all about composing… Continue reading Divya Maus (BM, ’14) profiled by USA Today College
Sara Gazarek featured in Glendale News Press
USC Thornton alumna and current Jazz Studies faculty Sara Gazarek was featured in the Glendale News Press in advance of a recent performance in Los Angeles. The article notes that Gazarek is “an early bloomer who has not only shown gratifying determination but also a capacity for artistic growth.”
Work by Jason Michael Saunders (MM, ’14) reviewed in Choral Journal
“Monotone,” a choral composition by alumnus Jason Michael Saunders (MM, ’14), was reviewed in the most recent edition of the American Choral Directors Association publication, Choral Journal. “With beautifully conjunct phrasing and accessible yet interesting phrasing,” writes reviewer Steven Grives, “Saunders has created a choral setting that can be performed by both amateur and professional ensembles.”
Alumni mentioned in New York Philharmonic review in New York Times
Sheryl Staples and Michelle Kim, both graduates of USC Thornton’s Strings program, were mentioned in a recent New York Philharmonic concert review in the New York Times. The event featured Russian conductor Vladimir Jurowski, principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and Scottish violinist, Nicola Benedetti. Staples, who serves as principal associate concertmaster for the New York Philharmonic,… Continue reading Alumni mentioned in New York Philharmonic review in New York Times
Grant Gershon named Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale
The Los Angeles Master Chorale announced that Music Director and USC Thornton alumnus Grant Gershon will continue at the choir’s helm through the 2019-2020 season with the new title of Artistic Director. Gershon’s title change from Music Director to Artistic Director reflects the highly regarded conductor’s expanded vision to redefine the choral experience.
Morten Lauridsen to be featured guest at Valley Concert Chorale anniversary celebrations
USC Distinguished Professor of Composition Morten Lauridsen will serve as the guest of honor at this weekend’s “Morten Lauridsen Festival” in the San Francisco Bay Area. The event is being held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Valley Concert Chorale. During the festival, Lauridsen will host workshops for local high school and college… Continue reading Morten Lauridsen to be featured guest at Valley Concert Chorale anniversary celebrations