Vocal Arts students take home honors at Classical Singer Preliminary Auditions
Vocal performance organization Classical Singer awarded several Thornton students in their recent Classical Singer Preliminary Auditions, held in Malibu this March. Emily Peterson placed first in the Classical University category, Grant Yosenick placed second in the Musical Theatre University category and Lesley Baird was awarded third place in the Classical Young Artist category.
USC Thornton alumni to star in opera by Composition student Georgi Dimitrov
Composition student Georgi Dimitrov‘s chamber opera, Maximus, will be performed at Monk Space in Los Angeles on May 21 at 8:00 p.m. The cast features many USC Thornton alumni, including clarinetist Eric Jacobs and singer James Hayden. The one act opera involves a parking ticket that, despite being generated in error, comes back to destroy the life… Continue reading USC Thornton alumni to star in opera by Composition student Georgi Dimitrov
Morten Lauridsen to be featured guest at Valley Concert Chorale anniversary celebrations
USC Distinguished Professor of Composition Morten Lauridsen will serve as the guest of honor at this weekend’s “Morten Lauridsen Festival” in the San Francisco Bay Area. The event is being held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Valley Concert Chorale. During the festival, Lauridsen will host workshops for local high school and college… Continue reading Morten Lauridsen to be featured guest at Valley Concert Chorale anniversary celebrations
Evan Pensis wins Grand Prize at Kennedy Center VSA International Young Soloists Competition
Thornton student Evan Pensis was selected as a Grand Prize Winner for the Kennedy Center VSA International Young Soloists Competition. As a part of the award, he will travel to Washington, D.C. for a performance at the Kennedy Center on June 1.
Andrew Norman’s “Release” reviewed by Los Angeles Times
Composition faculty and USC Thornton alumnus Andrew Norman was praised by the Los Angeles Times for his composition “Release,” which premiered at the Walt Disney Concert Hall May 1. Reviewer Mark Swed called the work “wonderfully fresh,” and noted that the piece’s “climaxes rose and fell like the deep breaths of Zen monks meditating in… Continue reading Andrew Norman’s “Release” reviewed by Los Angeles Times
Classical Guitar students win big at recent competitions
Classical Guitar students Ines Thomé and Michael Gratovich recently won two separate international competitions. On April 11, Ines Thomé won First Prize in the Walnut Creek Guitar Competition. The prize includes engagements for a four-concert tour in 2015. On April 26, Michael Gratovich won First Prize in the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Competition. The prize includes a recital at the… Continue reading Classical Guitar students win big at recent competitions
Thornton students advance to Coleman Chamber Music Competition finals
Chamber ensemble Pico Winds, consisting of Thornton students Kat Standefer (flute), Rachel van Amburgh (oboe), Angelo Quail (clarinet), Brittany Seits (bassoon), and Erika Miras (horn), advanced to the finals of the Coleman Chamber Music Competition. The Competition began in 1947 as the Coleman Auditions for young, non-professional performers. The annual Coleman Chamber Ensemble Competition has become a highly respected national and international event with competitors coming… Continue reading Thornton students advance to Coleman Chamber Music Competition finals
Frank Ticheli named Composer-In-Residence at the Hartt School, University of Hartford
From April 29 through May 4, Composition faculty Frank Ticheli will hold residency at the Hartt School, University of Hartford. Thirteen of his works will be performed by various Hartt School ensembles and community groups, including the orchestra, wind ensemble and symphonic band. Ticheli will also hold a masterclass for students involved in the school’s Young Composer… Continue reading Frank Ticheli named Composer-In-Residence at the Hartt School, University of Hartford
Andrew Norman to premiere new work with Los Angeles Philharmonic
Alumnus and Composition faculty Andrew Norman will premiere his latest piece, “Release,” with Emanuel Ax and the Los Angeles Philharmonic on May 1 and 3. The piece will be performed at the LA Phil’s “Ax Brahms Project: Ax & Dudamel” program at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Lucinda Carver, vice dean of the Classical Performance &… Continue reading Andrew Norman to premiere new work with Los Angeles Philharmonic
USC Thornton alumni receive ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards
Alumni Eric Guinivan and Sarah Rimkus were recipients of the 2014 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards. The program provides recognition and cash awards to talented young composers in the concert music field. The recipients will be recognized at the annual ASCAP Concert Music Awards at Merkin Concert Hall in New York on May… Continue reading USC Thornton alumni receive ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards