Faculty member Lynn Helding inaugurates vocal science association
Lynn Helding, a faculty member of the USC Thornton Vocal Arts and Opera program who specializes in vocal pedagogy, delivered the keynote address at the inaugural symposium of PAVA, the Pan-American Vocology Association, in October at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. PAVA stems from the relatively new field of voice science — also… Continue reading Faculty member Lynn Helding inaugurates vocal science association
Thornton students and alums give MAX’s “Gibberish” an orchestral edge
MAX, a rising star in popular music, featured a cast comprised almost exclusively of USC Thornton student musicians in a video for his newest single, “Gibberish.” In addition to the many Thornton students performing in the video, the orchestral arrangement is the result of a collaboration between MAX and Zi Zhu Zhao (MM ’16, piano),… Continue reading Thornton students and alums give MAX’s “Gibberish” an orchestral edge
USC Thornton Opera’s “La clemenza di Tito” receives positive reviews
The USC Thornton Opera‘s November production of W.A. Mozart’s rarely-performed opera, La clemenza di Tito, was warmly reviewed by both the Los Angeles Times and the Daily Trojan newspapers. Mark Swed, arts reviewer for the Times, drew parallels between Vocal Arts and Opera chair Ken Kazan‘s “simple but effective production” of Mozart’s “unconscionably neglected” opera… Continue reading USC Thornton Opera’s “La clemenza di Tito” receives positive reviews
USC Thornton ranks high on Hollywood Reporter’s list of top music schools
The Hollywood Reporter recently profiled USC Thornton on its list of the “Top 25 Music Schools of 2015,” ranking the school at number three. The profile noted that Thornton’s proximity to Los Angeles’ film and music industries fosters unparalleled opportunities for graduates of the school’s Contemporary Music Division, particularly in programs such as Music Industry,… Continue reading USC Thornton ranks high on Hollywood Reporter’s list of top music schools
Norman Krieger performs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Pianist Norman Krieger, of the USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty, recently performed as part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s UAB Piano Series, which was reviewed by ArtsBHAM as “a chance to hear a mature virtuoso in an intimate setting.” The review noted that “Krieger immediately captured the nature of [Beethoven’s] ‘The Tempest’ sonata… Continue reading Norman Krieger performs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Composer and alumnus Alan Chan awarded George Duke Commissioning Prize
USC Thornton Composition alumnus Alan Chan (DMA ’08) was selected as the recipient of George Duke Commissioning Prize, co-created by the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra and The ASCAP Foundation to honor the trailblazing musician, George Duke. Alan Chan’s music has been recognized with awards and fellowships from the American Composers Forum, New Music USA, and the… Continue reading Composer and alumnus Alan Chan awarded George Duke Commissioning Prize
Bassist Will Cravy wins prize in Pasadena Showcase House competition
Double Bassist and current USC Thornton graduate student William Cravy (BM ‘14, MM ‘16) was awarded second prize and the accompanying $2,500 award in the 30th Annual Pasadena Showcase House Instrumental Competition. The competition was judged by members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Cravy also has advanced to finals for the 2016 Jefferson International… Continue reading Bassist Will Cravy wins prize in Pasadena Showcase House competition
Composition students and alums win orchestral competitions
USC Thornton Composition students and alumni continue to garner accolades. Two major Midwestern orchestras will feature compositions by USC students and alumni. “Even in Paradise,” by Patrick O’Malley (MM ’15, DMA candidate), and “Kaman Fantasy,” by Saad Haddad (BM, ’14), will be performed as part of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s Earshot program, under the baton… Continue reading Composition students and alums win orchestral competitions
Ted Hearne’s oratorio, “The Source,“ released as album
Composer Ted Hearne, a faculty member of the USC Thornton Composition department, has released a new album of his oratorio, “The Source.” Built around short samples of spoken language, snippets of popular music, and disjointed instrumental riffs, the 2014 work examines the experience of US Army Private Chelsea Manning, who infamously leaked classified military documents… Continue reading Ted Hearne’s oratorio, “The Source,“ released as album
Frank Ticheli’s “Radiant Voices” to be performed by Long Beach Symphony
An orchestral work by USC Thornton Composition professor Frank Ticheli will be performed by the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 8:00pm. Ticheli’s bold and percussive “Radiant Voices,” composed in the after-light of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, will feature violin soloist Heather Clark, under the baton of conductor Edward Cumming.… Continue reading Frank Ticheli’s “Radiant Voices” to be performed by Long Beach Symphony