Choral alum Robert P.D. Duff to direct Brandeis University program
USC Thornton Choral Music alumnus Robert P.D. Duff (DMA ’00) has been appointed to Brandeis University as Choral Conductor, where he will lead two choral ensembles, teach conducting and oversee their vocal program. He will continue as Artistic and Musical Director at the Handel Society at Dartmouth. Duff formerly served as Director of Music for… Continue reading Choral alum Robert P.D. Duff to direct Brandeis University program
Music & Beyond Festival pays tribute to Morten Lauridsen
On July 12, the Music & Beyond Festival of Ottawa, Canada, held a concert celebrating the choral works of USC Thornton Distinguished Professor of Composition, Morten Lauridsen. Lauridsen accompanied singers from 10 regional choirs in performances of his O Magnum Mysterium, Sure on this Shining Night, Lux Aeterna and Dirait-on, under the batons of conductors… Continue reading Music & Beyond Festival pays tribute to Morten Lauridsen
Work by alumnus Jules Pegram featured in Underwood New Music concert
USC Thornton alumnus and Outstanding Graduate Jules Pegram (BM ’13, composition) was one of seven composers selected by the American Composers Orchestra for its annual Underwood New Music Readings concert in New York City. His orchestral piece, Shadows of the Studio, is a “musical tribute to the glory days of Hollywood’s ‘studio system.’” In an… Continue reading Work by alumnus Jules Pegram featured in Underwood New Music concert
Piano alumnus Robert Thies performs Prokofiev with Louisville Orchestra
Concert pianist and USC Thornton alumnus Robert Thies (BM ’93, MM ’95, piano) performed Prokofiev’s Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26, recently with the Louisville Orchestra, receiving a strong review from WUOL.org. Reviewer Daniel Gilliam reported that “Pianist Robert Thies and the orchestra play equal roles, moving gracefully through sometimes quirky, sometimes elegant… Continue reading Piano alumnus Robert Thies performs Prokofiev with Louisville Orchestra
Dongni Xie takes second prize in concerto competition
Dongni Xie, a GCRT candidate in Keyboard Studies and a student of Norman Krieger, recently took second prize in the Young Musicians Foundation 2015 Concerto Competition. In April, Xie was one of three USC Thornton students to win scholarships from the Pasadena Alumnae chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota. And in May, she took Grand Prize… Continue reading Dongni Xie takes second prize in concerto competition
CD of works by Donald Crockett produced by Boston Modern Orchestra Project
The Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) has released a new CD of music by Donald Crockett, chair of the USC Thornton Composition program. “Blue Earth” features several works by Crockett, including a Viola Concerto with soloist Kate Vincent and the orchestral “Blue Earth,” conducted by BMOP Artistic Director Gil Rose. Recording of the CD was made… Continue reading CD of works by Donald Crockett produced by Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Cynthia Munzer speaks to KABC about her battle with lung cancer
Operatic mezzo-soprano Cynthia Munzer, who teaches on the USC Thornton Vocal Arts and Opera faculty, was recently interviewed by KABC-TV Eyewitness News about her 2013 lung cancer diagnosis and her path to recovery. Munzer underwent surgery to remove part of her lungs – and today Munzer works on behalf of the American Lung Association to… Continue reading Cynthia Munzer speaks to KABC about her battle with lung cancer
Choral alumni enjoy appointments and accolades
Several USC Thornton alumni have made news recently for their extraordinary accomplishments. Troy Quinn (DMA ’14, choral music) has been appointed as conductor of the Juneau Symphony in Alaska, launching the orchestra’s 2015-16 performance season in October. In addition to his traditional conducting experience, Quinn has developed a strong career in the television and recording… Continue reading Choral alumni enjoy appointments and accolades
Rod Gilfry debutes new opera role, to critical acclaim
Rod Gilfry, operatic baritone and USC Thornton Vocal Arts and Opera faculty member, recently originated the role of Walt Whitman in composer Matt Aucoin’s “Crossing,” to critical acclaim. The new opera, which premiered at the Citi Shubert Theatre in Boston on May 29, draws on the life, work, and poetry of Whitman, and is part… Continue reading Rod Gilfry debutes new opera role, to critical acclaim
Composition students shine with prizes and premieres
In recent weeks, USC Thornton students – from undergraduate to doctoral – have found success with composition awards and premieres. Thomas Kotcheff (MM ’12, composition), currently a doctoral candidate, received a BMI Student Composer Award on May 18 in New York City for his octet, entitled that in shadow or moonlight rises. In addition to… Continue reading Composition students shine with prizes and premieres