Piatigorsky documentary, “The Cellist,” to be screened at USC Thornton following DVD release
“The Cellist,” a documentary detailing the life of famed cellist Gregor Piatigorsky will be released on DVD Jan. 28. Often heralded as one of the greatest classical musicians of the 20th century, Piatigorsky was a musical prodigy at an early age, and fled the Soviet Union to the United States in the 1920s. He ultimately… Continue reading Piatigorsky documentary, “The Cellist,” to be screened at USC Thornton following DVD release
Alan Smith to premiere song cycle at NYC songSLAM Festival
Pianist Alan Smith, chair of Keyboard Studies and director of Keyboard Collaborative Arts at USC Thornton, will be premiering a new song cycle on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the final event of the songSLAM Festival in New York City, organized by the art song consortium Sparks and Wiry Cries. The five-song piece, titled “Surfing the… Continue reading Alan Smith to premiere song cycle at NYC songSLAM Festival
Cherry Rhodes juries and delivers lecture at Shanghai Conservatory of Music International Organ Festival
From November 5–9, 2019, Organ Studies faculty member Cherry Rhodes had a return engagement to participate in the Second International Organ Festival in Shanghai, China, sponsored by the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She performed in the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, adjudicated the Second International Pipe-Organ Competition, and was on an international panel at the Shanghai… Continue reading Cherry Rhodes juries and delivers lecture at Shanghai Conservatory of Music International Organ Festival
Katelyn Vahala wins first prize at Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition
Keyboard Studies alum and current graduate student Katelyn Vahala (BM ’18) has recently won first prize at the Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition, and also won the prize for best contemporary performance. The international competition is named for the late Rosalyn Tureck, an acclaimed pianist, teacher, conductor, scholar, and author, who was known for her… Continue reading Katelyn Vahala wins first prize at Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition
Morten Lauridsen and Grant Gershon discuss 25th anniversary of “O Magnem Mysterium” on KUSC
USC Thornton alum Grant Gershon (BM ’85) and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Composition and Thornton alum Morten Lauridsen recently appeared on KUSC’s Arts Alive to discuss the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s 25th anniversary of Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium.” The Master Chorale premiered the iconic work, and will perform it on Sunday, Dec. 15 in celebration… Continue reading Morten Lauridsen and Grant Gershon discuss 25th anniversary of “O Magnem Mysterium” on KUSC
Jeffrey Kahane lauded for performance of Bach’s “Goldberg Variations”
Keyboard Studies faculty member and acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Kahane opened the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Baroque Festival on Dec. 3 with a lecture and lauded performance of Bach’s “Goldberg Variations.” As one of few masters of the work, Kahane opened the evening with a brief lecture with the assistance of the Calidore String… Continue reading Jeffrey Kahane lauded for performance of Bach’s “Goldberg Variations”
Alexander Lloyd Blake named one of 30 Professionals of the Year by Musical America
Choral & Sacred Music alum Alexander Lloyd Blake (DMA ’19) has been named as one of Musical America’s 30 Professionals of the Year. The annual report recognizes performing arts professionals who make significant contributions to the vitality of the performing arts world. Blake is recognized for his work as director of the choral group Tonality,… Continue reading Alexander Lloyd Blake named one of 30 Professionals of the Year by Musical America
Adeliia Faizullina named winner of 2020 Celebrate Asia Composition Competition
Composition doctoral candidate Adeliia Faizullina was announced as the winner of the Seattle Symphony’s Celebrate Asia Composition Competition, a competition that invites submissions from emerging composers who find inspiration and influences in Asian culture, music and traditions. Her piece, “Tatar Folk Tales,” will be performed by the Seattle Symphony at the Celebrate Asia concert on… Continue reading Adeliia Faizullina named winner of 2020 Celebrate Asia Composition Competition
Erna Vala performs at Icelandic Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Keyboard Studies doctoral student Erna Vala recently performed at the Icelandic Embassy in Washington, D.C. at the reception of the Fulbright Artic Initiative Symposium. Vala is a Fulbright scholar from Iceland and talented pianist who studies with faculty member Bernadene Blaha. The Fulbright Arctic Initiative works to provide the foundation for collaboration of all Arctic… Continue reading Erna Vala performs at Icelandic Embassy in Washington, D.C.
USC Thornton faculty and alumnus to perform in benefit concert for Paradise Fire victims
Sunday, Nov. 24, USC Thornton Classical Guitar faculty members William Kanengiser and Scott Tennant (of the GRAMMY-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet) and USC Thornton flamenco virtuoso and faculty member Adam del Monte will perform in a benefit concert, “Recuerdos de Paradise,” to support the victims of the Paradise Fire in 2018. Performing alongside them are flamenco… Continue reading USC Thornton faculty and alumnus to perform in benefit concert for Paradise Fire victims