Posts Tagged ‘Classical Division’


Violinist Annelle Gregory performs in Encinitas and Torrance concerts

November 11, 2015

Violinist Annelle Gregory (BM ’17, violin), a student of USC Thornton Strings professor Glenn Dicterow, as well as laureate of the 2013 Stradivarius International Violin Competition and the 2015 National Sphinx Competition, was a featured performer in two recent concerts. Gregory performed for the city of Encinitas’ Music by the Sea concert series and the… Continue reading Violinist Annelle Gregory performs in Encinitas and Torrance concerts


Portrait of Mark Weiser

Composer Mark Weiser’s “High Velocity” wins two prizes

November 9, 2015

Mark Weiser, of the USC Thornton Composition faculty, has won notoriety for his 2012 work, High Velocity. The solo piano piece won first prize at The Ear, a recent concert event in New York City, and was awarded the 2015 International Heckscher Composition Prize by Ithaca College. High Velocity has been recorded by pianist Hannah… Continue reading Composer Mark Weiser’s “High Velocity” wins two prizes


Alumnus Cameron O’Connor wins Frances Walton Competition

November 6, 2015

This past summer, classical guitarist and alumnus Cameron O’Connor (DMA ’14) was one of four soloist award winners of the Frances Walton Competition in Seattle, WA. The competition is open to classical performers of piano, voice, strings and wind instruments, who are residents or students in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, California or Alaska. Soloist winners… Continue reading Alumnus Cameron O’Connor wins Frances Walton Competition


Cody Westheimer

Alumnus Cody Westheimer scores new IMAX film

November 4, 2015

USC Thornton alumnus Cody Westheimer (BM ’01, composition) scored the music for the new IMAX film, “Journey to Space 3D,” which premiered at the California Science Center in Los Angeles last week. For the premiere event, Westheimer conducted student members of the USC Thornton Symphony in sections of the film score, in the shadow of… Continue reading Alumnus Cody Westheimer scores new IMAX film


Keyboard Studies students win prizes at Seattle International Piano Competition

November 3, 2015

USC Thornton’s Keyboard Studies department set an impressive benchmark at the 2015 Seattle International Piano Festival & Competition, hosted by the Seattle Symphony on October 17, with students and alumni bringing home several prizes. Sam Grodin, a DMA candidate studying with Lucinda Carver, took the Silver medal in the Professional division and its accompanying $1000… Continue reading Keyboard Studies students win prizes at Seattle International Piano Competition


Hui Jin and Aram Arakelyan perform at the USC Global Conference in Shanghai

October 30, 2015

Tenor Hui Jin, an International Artist Fellow and doctoral candidate of the USC Thornton Vocal Arts and Opera program, performed for attendees of the USC Global Conference in Shanghai last week, accompanied on piano by Keyboard Studies DMA candidate Aram Arakelyan. Jin is a highly-regarded tenor from Beijing who has appeared in numerous opera productions… Continue reading Hui Jin and Aram Arakelyan perform at the USC Global Conference in Shanghai


Norman Krieger performs with Roanoke Symphony

October 27, 2015

Norman Krieger, USC Thornton professor of Keyboard Studies, recently performed with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra for the opening of its 20th season on October 11. In a “celebratory and infectiously positive” atmosphere, as noted by the Roanoke Times, both Krieger and Roanoke music director David Stewart Wiley performed works by George Gershwin as concert soloists… Continue reading Norman Krieger performs with Roanoke Symphony


Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe conducts vocal & piano masterclass

October 26, 2015

Internationally-renowned operatic mezzo-soprano, Stephanie Blythe, visited USC Thornton for a masterclass on October 16th for students of Thornton’s Vocal Arts and Keyboard Collaborative Arts programs. The singer, who is regarded as one of the leading artists of her generation, was on campus in anticipation of the October 20th musical tribute to faculty member Alan Smith,… Continue reading Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe conducts vocal & piano masterclass


Jo-Michael Scheibe conducts a choir of 680 students

October 22, 2015

Jo-Michael Scheibe, chair of the USC Thornton Choral and Sacred Music department, conducted a group of 680 high school choristers from across the state of Utah at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on October 10. Their 30 minute All State Choir program was preceded by a performance of the University of Utah Chamber… Continue reading Jo-Michael Scheibe conducts a choir of 680 students


La clemenza di Tito

October 20, 2015

See the full photo gallery for La clemenza di Tito The Roman emperor Titus’ choice of a woman to marry sets off a dangerous turn of events. How does he prevent a love quadrangle, attempted murder and a capitol in flames from leading to his demise? The Thornton Opera Program and the Thornton Symphony bring to life… Continue reading La clemenza di Tito