Celeste Butler presents multimedia performances at the Grammy Museum
Popular music and arts leadership alum Celeste Butler (BM ‘18, MS ‘19) premiered two multimedia performances titled “Harlem South: A View Through the Lens” at the Grammy Museum on February 18. Featuring a cast of Grammy award-winning musicians and original compositions, the production spotlighted African American life in 1920’s South Carolina through the photography of… Continue reading Celeste Butler presents multimedia performances at the Grammy Museum
Alumni featured in Los Angeles Times about pandemic loss and hope
Three USC Thornton alumni were recently featured in a Los Angeles Times article on classical musicians’ stories of pandemic loss and hope. Alexander Blake (DMA ‘19), Melissa Tong (BM ‘00), and Jonathan Karoly (BM ‘97) shared their stories of overcoming struggles during the pandemic and embracing new opportunities. “This time has confirmed that I’m a… Continue reading Alumni featured in Los Angeles Times about pandemic loss and hope
Jazmín Morales
Biography Named one of Musical America’s Top Movers and Shakers in the Performing Arts, Jazmín Morales is a violinist, activist, and administrator dedicated to helping young artists use their gifts to enact meaningful change in the world. A classically trained violinist who also grew up playing mariachi and other regional Mexican music, Morales has spent… Continue reading Jazmín Morales
Wayne Yang featured in KUSC’s “Play On, California!”
KUSC highlighted Arts Leadership master’s student Wayne Yang’s Live! From Somewhere performance in a recent installment of its daily broadcast and online feature “Play On, California!” Yang performed Carl Vine’s “Threnody” and dedicated his performance to the victims of COVID-19 and their families. “I believe the one thing we can take away from this pandemic,… Continue reading Wayne Yang featured in KUSC’s “Play On, California!”
Polina Cherezova publishes feature on Conrad Tao
USC Thornton Master’s student Polina Cherezova talked with pianist Conrad Tao ahead of his Power to the People! festival concert with the LA Phil. The feature was published on the LA Phil’s Watch & Listen home page. “Conrad Tao, the internationally acclaimed composer-pianist, lives in an imaginative cosmos of his own, where vulnerability reigns,” Cherezova wrote.… Continue reading Polina Cherezova publishes feature on Conrad Tao
Alum-led choral ensemble Tonality receives Adventurous Programming Award
Choral ensemble Tonality, led by USC Thornton alum Alexander Lloyd Blake (DMA ’19), has received the Chorus America/ASCAP 2020 Adventurous Programming Award. The award recognizes choruses that demonstrate a commitment to fostering and promoting new music. Blake founded Tonality in 2016, while studying at USC Thornton, with the goal of advancing underrepresented voices in choral… Continue reading Alum-led choral ensemble Tonality receives Adventurous Programming Award
Dana Gioia inducted to Hawthorne Hall of Fame
Dana Gioia, the Judge Widney Professor of Poetry and Public Culture at USC who teaches in USC Thornton’s Arts Leadership and Musicology programs, is a 2019 inductee to the Hawthorne Hall of Fame. A native of Hawthorne, Calif., the renowned poet has received many honors during his career, including being named the Poet Laureate of… Continue reading Dana Gioia inducted to Hawthorne Hall of Fame
Red Hen Press: An Afternoon of Poetry & Performance
Free this Sunday afternoon? USC Distinguished Professor Morten Lauridsen presents his celebrated music with Thornton faculty and alumni alike, including Rod Gilfry, Carin Gilfry, Dana Gioia, and more. The event, Red Hen Press: An Afternoon of Poetry & Performance, will take place at The Broad Stage! The spiritual depth of Morten Lauridsen’s music, paired with… Continue reading Red Hen Press: An Afternoon of Poetry & Performance
Dana Gioia collaborates with Helen Sung on jazz album
Dana Gioia, USC Thornton Arts Leadership and Musicology faculty member, recently collaborated with jazz pianist Helen Sung on a new album, Sung with Words, which was released in September. Gioia, a Poet Laureate of California, wrote the lyrics for Sung’s original songs, many of which feature spoken word introductions. close
Kenneth Foster authors new book about arts leadership
Kenneth Foster, director of the USC Thornton Arts Leadership program, has authored a new book, Arts Leadership: Creating Sustainable Arts Organizations (Routledge), which will be released on May 9th. The book focuses on building sustainable models for creative organizations amidst increasing political, economic, and cultural challenges. “Foster’s experience and wisdom as an arts leader informs… Continue reading Kenneth Foster authors new book about arts leadership