Austin Wintory PlayStation blog explores the making of “The Pathless”
USC Thornton Composition alum Austin Wintory (BM ‘07) wrote a blog for PlayStation in which he shares a behind-the-scenes look at the making of his score for the game “The Pathless.” The score fuses multiple musical traditions from around the world in what Wintory calls a “global jam band.” “The resulting scope was significantly beyond… Continue reading Austin Wintory PlayStation blog explores the making of “The Pathless”
Carlos Rafael Rivera discusses “Queen’s Gambit” score with American Songwriter
Composer and USC Thornton alum Carlos Rafael Rivera (MM ‘04, DMA ‘10) recently spoke in depth with American Songwriter about the process of scoring the hit Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit.” Rivera describes in great detail the challenges and successes of scoring dramatic chess matches and the series’ dynamic main character. “Getting the musical tone… Continue reading Carlos Rafael Rivera discusses “Queen’s Gambit” score with American Songwriter
Thomas Kotcheff interviewed in The New York Times
Thomas Kotcheff (MM ‘12, DMA ‘19), an alum of USC Thornton’s Composition program, was interviewed in The New York Times about his recent album release, the first commercial recording of Frederic Rzewski’s Songs of Insurrection, which received glowing remarks from the composer himself. In the article, Kotcheff discusses his personal highlights from the recording, and… Continue reading Thomas Kotcheff interviewed in The New York Times
Lee Ritenour to release new album, Dreamcatcher, Dec. 4
GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist and USC Thornton alum Lee Ritenour recently announced the upcoming release of his first studio album in five years entitled Dreamcatcher. Dreamcatcher marks Ritenour’s first ever full-length solo guitar album and will be released on Dec. 4. Ritenour shared with GratefulWeb the significance of his first solo album, particularly during this year.… Continue reading Lee Ritenour to release new album, Dreamcatcher, Dec. 4
Tony Ybarra profiled by VC Reporter
Guitarist Tony Ybarra (BM ‘02, MM ‘04), an alum of USC Thornton’s Studio Guitar program, was featured in an article by the VC Reporter. In the article, Ybarra shares about his work as a musician, his love of flamenco, and how he has continued to make music during the pandemic. In addition to performing livestreamed… Continue reading Tony Ybarra profiled by VC Reporter
Michael Abels interviewed by ScreenDaily on diversity in film scoring
USC Thornton alum and award-winning composer Michael Abels (BM ‘84) was interviewed by ScreenDaily along with “Joker” composer Hildur Gudnadottir about improving diversity in the film and television scoring industry. Abels shared how young people responding to the success of his work on “Get Out” prompted him to co-found the Composers Diversity Collective, an organization… Continue reading Michael Abels interviewed by ScreenDaily on diversity in film scoring
Malia Civetz releases new EP, The Flip
Popular Music alum Malia Civetz (BM ‘16) released her debut EP The Flip on Oct. 16 with Warner Records. The album was praised for its “powerhouse vocal delivery, sharp songwriting, and a thoughtful overarching message” by ChicagoNow, highlighting singles like “Broke Boy,” which Civetz premiered earlier this year. “When I make music, I think of… Continue reading Malia Civetz releases new EP, The Flip
Billy Childs featured in DownBeat Magazine
USC Thornton alum and GRAMMY Award-winning composer and pianist Billy Childs (BM ‘79) was recently featured in a DownBeat Magazine article about how he embraces music outside of boundaries and genres. The article reflects on the influence the Los Angeles jazz and improvisational music scenes had on Childs’ “borderless concept of music,” particularly in his… Continue reading Billy Childs featured in DownBeat Magazine
Julia Tai named Music Director of Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale
USC Thornton alum Julia Tai (BM ’02, MM ’04) has been named the new Music Director of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. Tai also currently serves as the Music Director of Philharmonia Northwest and Co-Artistic Director of the Seattle Modern Orchestra. In an article from the Missoulian, Tai shared that she is looking forward… Continue reading Julia Tai named Music Director of Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale
William E. Doyle wins Saturday Visiter Award for Poe-inspired opera
USC Thornton alum William E. Doyle (DMA ‘88) was recently awarded the Saturday Visiter Award for “Original Works Inspired by E.A. Poe’s Life and Writing” from the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival in October. Doyle received the award for his 2019 work “Extraordinary Tales in Music”, a 90-minute opera that explores the works that influenced… Continue reading William E. Doyle wins Saturday Visiter Award for Poe-inspired opera