Alexander Lloyd Blake and David Morales talk new Tonality album on The Kelly Clarkson Show
Earlier this week, Thornton alumni Alexander Lloyd Blake (DMA ‘19), the artistic director of Tonality, and David Morales (MA ’20), a Tonality ensemble member, were interviewed on an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. Blake spoke to Kelly about the background of the group and how the 24-voice choir explores stories of social justice and other difficult topics… Continue reading Alexander Lloyd Blake and David Morales talk new Tonality album on The Kelly Clarkson Show
Jaco Wong releases choral work and premieres new commission
San Francisco-based composer Jaco Wong (MM ’16,) an alum of the Composition and Choral Music programs, recently released a sixteen-part choral work, “Psithaura,” with See-A-Dot Music Publishing.
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir names Irene Gregorio as collaborative pianist
The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir has named USC Thornton alum Irene Gregorio (DMA ’12) as its new collaborative pianist.
Choral Music master’s student Duncan Tuomi wins American Choral Directors Association award
Duncan Tuomi, a Master’s student in Choral Music and associate conductor of the USC Thornton University Chorus, took home top honors at the 2021 ACDA Raymond W. Brock Memorial Student Composition Competition for his submission, “The Rose that Bare Jesu.”
Scott Rieker Named Semi-Finalist in American Prize for Composition
Dr. Scott Rieker’s (DMA, ‘19), Director of Choral Music & Music Education, was named a semi-finalist in the American Prize for Composition, in the Choral Music division for his setting of five poems by former US Poet Laurate, Ted Kooser, entitled “Ted Kooser Suite.”
Cristian Grases appointed to Artistic Committee of World Symposium on Choral Music
Cristian Grases, chair of the Choral & Sacred Music program at USC Thornton, has been appointed to the Artistic Committee preparing the next World Symposium on Choral Music (WSCM). The event is scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar in 2023, bringing the WSCM to the Middle East for the very first time, and is… Continue reading Cristian Grases appointed to Artistic Committee of World Symposium on Choral Music
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
USC ACDA Student Chapter wins 2021 Outstanding Student Chapter Award
The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) recognized USC Thornton’s ACDA Student Chapter with the Outstanding ACDA Student Chapter Award for 2021. Each year the award is given to a student chapter that best supports the advancement of choral music through its activities. The USC ACDA Student Chapter is advised by Cristian Grases, chair of the… Continue reading USC ACDA Student Chapter wins 2021 Outstanding Student Chapter Award
Alexander Lloyd Blake featured in The New York Times
Choral & Sacred Music alum Alexander Lloyd Blake (DMA ‘19), was recently featured in an article in The New York Times discussing Tonality, the Los Angeles-based choral ensemble he founded. The article highlights seven music organizations like Tonality that have been working toward racial equity in the classical music industry. The article shares what inspired… Continue reading Alexander Lloyd Blake featured in The New York Times
Irene Apanovitch-Leites and Scott Rieker publish study in Choral Journal
Choral & Sacred Music alumni Irene Apanovitch-Leites (DMA ’19) and Scott Rieker (DMA ’19) co-authored an article in the February issue of Choral Journal, which focuses on vocal pedagogy. Apanovitch-Leites and Rieker’s article, titled “COVID and the Choral Educator: Preparedness, Perceptions, Attitudes, and a Way Forward,” is a study that details the impact of COVID-19… Continue reading Irene Apanovitch-Leites and Scott Rieker publish study in Choral Journal