Caroline Wilkins wins the American Harp Society National Competition
Earlier this month, harpist and USC Thornton alumna Caroline Wilkins (BM ’16, MM ’19) won the grand prize in the Young Professional division at the 2019 American Harp Society (AHS) National Competition. As part of the award, Wilkins will serve as the AHS Concert Artist for the next two years, performing and presenting masterclasses at… Continue reading Caroline Wilkins wins the American Harp Society National Competition
Lesley Leighton appointed Director of Choral Activities at CSUSB
USC Thornton alumna Lesley Leighton (MM ’91, DMA ’12) has been appointed the tenure-track position of Director of Choral Activities at the California State University San Bernardino’s Music Department. Leighton, who has premiered over 50 works since 2009, served as UCLA’s director of choruses from 2014-2016 and has regularly conducted the Los Angeles Master Chorale… Continue reading Lesley Leighton appointed Director of Choral Activities at CSUSB
Jeffrey Kahane earns glowing review
Jeffrey Kahane, a USC Thornton professor of Keyboard Studies, earned a glowing review from the Shepherd Express for his guest conducting performance with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, during with he also played a piano concerto. “Kahane moved seamlessly in his two roles,” said the article. “The music came forth with lively, in-the-moment presence. I think… Continue reading Jeffrey Kahane earns glowing review
USC Percussion Group noted in LA Times
The USC Percussion Group performed “Fear-Release” by Ellen Reid at the third-annual LA Phil’s Noon to Midnight event. The LA Times mentioned the performance in their review of the event, saying it was “captivating in its gentle rustling.” Also mentioned was Thornton alumna and faculty member Sara Gibson’s performance with HOCKET and percussionist Michael Basak’s… Continue reading USC Percussion Group noted in LA Times
Dale Trumbore publishes new book
USC Thornton Composition alumna Dale Trumbore (MM ’11) recently published a new book entitled Staying Composed: Overcoming Anxiety and Self-Doubt Within a Creative Life. With lessons drawn from her professional composing career, Trumbore offers tips for creatives in any field and breaks down obstacles to a creative career. The book also presents strategies to create… Continue reading Dale Trumbore publishes new book
Mak Grgić releases new video
Last week, classical guitarist Mak Grgić (MM ’12, DMA ’16) released the video this his song “Macedonian Girl.” Grgić describes the song, which is from his new album, Balkanisms, as “one of the most emotional songs” he has ever recorded. Grgić also recently did a Reddit Ask Me Anything where he discussed what it felt… Continue reading Mak Grgić releases new video
Veronika Krausas earns praise for new opera
Veronika Krausas, a USC Thornton Composition faculty member, debuted her newest opera to rave reviews last month. Ghost Opera, which premiered at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, earned positive press from the Calgary Herald and CBC. The Calgary Herald praised Krausas while describing the show as “visually opulent” and “theatrically mesmerizing.” “Krausas has… Continue reading Veronika Krausas earns praise for new opera
Nicholas Méndez Del Valle wins Collegiate Concerto Competition
USC Thornton undergraduate pianist Nicholas Méndez Del Valle recently was the unanimous grand prize winner of the Santa Monica Symphony and Westside Music Foundation’s new Collegiate Concerto Competition. The Santa Monica Mirror profiled Del Valle for this accomplishment and mentioned his May 26 performance with the Santa Monica Symphony.
USC musicians to perform at LA Phil’s Noon to Midnight event
On Saturday, June 1 the LA Phil celebrates new music with their third-annual Noon to Midnight event, a twelve-hour marathon featuring many of California’s finest ensembles in pop-up performances around Walt Disney Concert Hall. The day-long lineup features several ensembles that feature USC Thornton musicians, including USC Thornton Percussion Group, HOCKET, Sakura Cello Quintet, Calder… Continue reading USC musicians to perform at LA Phil’s Noon to Midnight event
Nick Strimple releases new composition as part of NCCO Choral Series
Nick Strimple, Professor of Choral and Sacred Music at USC Thornton, recently released his new Christmas-Sacred choral composition, “Verbum caro factum est,” for unaccompanied SATB as part of the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO). Strimple wrote this Christmas motet, the Responsory to the eighth Lesson of Second Vespers on Christmas, in honor of the Reverand… Continue reading Nick Strimple releases new composition as part of NCCO Choral Series