Alumnus Ben Pila to perform before Pope Francis at September 11 Memorial event
Classical guitarist and USC Thornton alumnus Ben Pila (DMA ’11) has been invited to perform for Pope Francis during the pontiff’s Sept. 25 visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. Pila has become a semi-regular presence at the memorial’s anniversary events, performing for dignitaries including Presidents Barack Obama and… Continue reading Alumnus Ben Pila to perform before Pope Francis at September 11 Memorial event
Guitar student Jason Lewis featured on NPR’s “From the Top”
USC Thornton Classical Guitar student Jason Lewis (BM ’19), was a featured performer on the June 28, 2015 episode of NPR’s From the Top with Host Christopher O’Riley. The 18 year-old guitarist and dual neuroscience/music major from Glencoe, Illinois, performed works by Leo Brouwer and Roland Dyens, for the show, which was recorded in Boston.… Continue reading Guitar student Jason Lewis featured on NPR’s “From the Top”
Keyboard and saxophone alums prepare for Carnegie Hall recital
USC Thornton Keyboard Collaborative Arts alumna ChoEun Lee (DMA ’13) performed at the inaugural concert of the Lotusflower New Music Project in March, hosted by the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Lotusflower is a series focused around artists and productions that embrace multiculturalism. In May, Lee prepared and conducted a contemporary Latin American opera… Continue reading Keyboard and saxophone alums prepare for Carnegie Hall recital
Book by Keyboard Studies professor Stewart Gordon reviewed in Clavier Companion
“Planning Your Piano Success: A Blueprint for Aspiring Musicians” (Oxford University Press, 2014), a book by pianist and USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty member Stewart Gordon, was positively reviewed in the May/June 2015 issue of Clavier Companion. Reviewer Carolyn True wrote that the book “is a terrific resource for budding musicians. It will inspire students… Continue reading Book by Keyboard Studies professor Stewart Gordon reviewed in Clavier Companion
Michael Lee receives commission from New York Virtuoso Singers
Composer and USC Thornton Composition doctoral candidate Michael Lee has received a commission from the New York Virtuoso Singers to compose a work, which will be premiered in New York City this fall. The ensemble is regarded as the nation’s “leading exponent of contemporary choral music.” Lee’s works music have previously been performed by the… Continue reading Michael Lee receives commission from New York Virtuoso Singers
Ariadne auf Naxos
What is a serious opera singer to do when she is playing a character who awaits death on a desert island and is continually interrupted by an underground cabaret comedy troupe, all performing at the whim of a spoiled wealthy Viennese nobleman in the Weimar era?! This is the confusing and hilarious premise of Richard… Continue reading Ariadne auf Naxos
Argus appointed quartet-in-residence at Yale School of Music
The Los Angeles-based Argus Quartet, which includes three USC Thornton students and alumni – Clara Kim (DMA ’15, violin), Jason Issokson (MM ’10, violin) and Diana Wade (GCRT ’13, viola) – has been appointed the quartet-in-residence at the Yale School of Music. The ensemble will be mentored by the Brentato Quartet and will coach undergraduate… Continue reading Argus appointed quartet-in-residence at Yale School of Music
Horn alumna Laura Brenes releases debut album
French Horn player and USC Thornton alumna Laura Brenes (MM ’02) has released her debut album, “a Time and a Place,” which features original music composed for her by fellow alumni Bear McCreary (BM ’02, composition), Daniel James Chan (GCRT ’08, SMPTV), Chris Bacon (GCRT ’05), SMPTV, and Damian Montano (MM ’02, bassoon). Supporting ensembles… Continue reading Horn alumna Laura Brenes releases debut album
JoAnn Turovsky receives Lifetime Achievement Award from American Harp Society
Harpist JoAnn Turovsky, who has taught on the USC Thornton Strings faculty for over 30 years, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary service to The American Harp Society, Inc. Turovsky also serves as principal harpist with the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale… Continue reading JoAnn Turovsky receives Lifetime Achievement Award from American Harp Society
HOCKET new music ensemble makes waves at Carlsbad Music Festival
The new music duo, HOCKET, which includes current USC Thornton D.M.A. Composition student, Thomas Kotcheff (M.M. ’12, composition) and Composition faculty member Sarah Gibson (M.M. ’10, composition; D.M.A. ’15, composition), recently performed in a series of concerts at the Carlsbad Music Festival. The duo performed compositions by David Lang, Alex Weiser, Aaron Holloway-Nahum, and Tristan… Continue reading HOCKET new music ensemble makes waves at Carlsbad Music Festival