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
The Calder Quartet awarded Avery Fisher Career Grant
The Calder Quartet (Benjamin Jacobson, violin; Andrew Bulbrook, violin; Jonathan Moerschel, viola; Eric Byers, cello) was named as one of the recipients of the Avery Fisher Career Grants for 2014. The grants give professional assistance to instrumentalists judged to have exceptional career potential. Founded at USC, the Calder Quartet is known for the discovery, commissioning,… Continue reading The Calder Quartet awarded Avery Fisher Career Grant
New album from Adam and Rotem Gilbert named “Editors Choice” by Early Music Today
Early Music faculty Adam and Rotem Gilbert’s group Ciaramella was honored by Early Music Today for their recent CD Dances on Movable Ground. The publication gave the album the designation of “Editor’s Choice,” and lauded the release for its “expressive fluidity and rhythmic vitality.” Ciaramella is a Renaissance ensemble that has recorded for the Naxos… Continue reading New album from Adam and Rotem Gilbert named “Editors Choice” by Early Music Today
Jenny Ching Yee Wong, DMA, selected to attend Oregon Bach Festival
Jenny Ching Yee Wong, DMA student in Choral Music, has been selected as one of 6-8 conductors worldwide to attend the prestigious Oregon Bach Festival in Eugene, Oregon this summer. For three weeks, Jenny will be studying four major Bach choral-orchestral works and more with Helmuth Rilling and new artistic director Matthew Halls. Jenny will conduct the Festival Orchestra, choruses and… Continue reading Jenny Ching Yee Wong, DMA, selected to attend Oregon Bach Festival