Lynn Helding releases new book bridging brain science and music performance
Vocal Arts and Opera faculty member Lynn Helding has recently released her new book, “The Musician’s Mind: Teaching, Learning, and Performance in the Age of Brain Science.” The book explores how musicians can optimize their mental wellbeing and cognitive abilities to maximize learning and performance. In her writing, Helding bridges the gap between various fields… Continue reading Lynn Helding releases new book bridging brain science and music performance
Thornton artists feature prominently in Carnegie Hall 2020-21 season
Carnegie Hall has announced its 2020-21 season, with concerts featuring a number of USC Thornton artists. The Los Angeles Philharmonic returns to Carnegie Hall this season, after a 30 year absence, with two of four concerts featuring work by Composition faculty member and Thornton alum Andrew Norman (BM ’02, MM ’04). Oct. 8, the LA… Continue reading Thornton artists feature prominently in Carnegie Hall 2020-21 season
Patrick O’Malley to make Carnegie Hall debut
USC Thornton Composition alum Patrick O’Malley (MM ’15, DMA ’19) will make his Carnegie Hall debut this May with the premiere of his new piece “Obliviana” performed by the New York Youth Symphony. “Obliviana” won the New York Youth Symphony’s 2019/20 season First Music Commissions award, a competition championing works by composers under 30. O’Malley’s… Continue reading Patrick O’Malley to make Carnegie Hall debut
Sarkis Baltaian and Derek Polischuk release album of Latin American music for piano
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies alumni Sarkis Baltaian (BM ’99, MM ’01, DMA ’07) and Derek Kealii Polischuk (BM ’01, MM ’04, DMA ’06) have released a new album titled Latin American Music for 2 Pianos. The album features Baltaian and Polischuk’s recordings of music by Carlos Guastavino, Manuel Ponce, Octávio Pinto, Astor Piazzolla, Aaron Copland,… Continue reading Sarkis Baltaian and Derek Polischuk release album of Latin American music for piano
Rod Gilfry receives warm reviews for “Eurydice”
USC Thornton Vocal Arts faculty member Rod Gilfry has been met with warm reviews for his performance as Eurydice’s father in LA Opera’s “Eurydice,” a new opera composed by Matthew Aucoin with playwright Sarah Ruhl. The Los Angeles Times calls Gilfry’s performance an “exceptional accomplishment” and describes his character as “the voice from the beyond… Continue reading Rod Gilfry receives warm reviews for “Eurydice”
Nina C. Young to premiere new work with New York Philharmonic
USC Thornton Composition faculty member Nina C. Young will premiere a new work with the New York Philharmonic on Feb. 5, with three additional performances through Feb. 11. Young’s piece, “Tread Softly,” was commissioned as part of the Philharmonic’s Project 19 initiative to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment with… Continue reading Nina C. Young to premiere new work with New York Philharmonic
Ben Hong performs tribute to Kobe Bryant at Lakers game
On Friday, Jan. 31, cellist and USC Thornton Strings faculty member Ben Hong performed at Staples Center in tribute to Kobe Bryant and the lives lost on Jan. 26. The tribute was part of a program to celebrate Bryant’s life preceding the Lakers’ first game since the legendary NBA player’s sudden death. Hong performed a… Continue reading Ben Hong performs tribute to Kobe Bryant at Lakers game
Daniel Weidlein produces debut album by vocal artist Julie Craig
USC Thornton Jazz Studies alum Daniel Weidlein (BM ’12) recently produced, arranged and orchestrated the debut album by vocal artist Julie Craig, From Here, released on Jan. 10. On the album, Craig, who is known for her roles in Broadway shows such as “Les Miserables” and “West Side Story,” performs classics and original music, backed… Continue reading Daniel Weidlein produces debut album by vocal artist Julie Craig
NEA grants to fund new and continued work by USC Thornton faculty and alumni
The latest round of grants awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts will fuel new and continued work by USC Thornton faculty and alumni. The LA Master Chorale, led by artistic director and USC Thornton Keyboard Studies alum Grant Gershon (BM ’85), was awarded funding for a series of contemporary choral music concerts, as… Continue reading NEA grants to fund new and continued work by USC Thornton faculty and alumni
Celka Ojakangas selected as resident composer for Mizzou International Composers Festival
Composition alum and current DMA candidate Celka Ojakangas (MM ’18) has been selected to appear as one of eight resident composers at the 2020 Mizzou International Composers Festival (MICF). Ojakangas was selected from among a record 346 entrants from 24 countries. As a resident composer, Ojakangas will give presentations about her work, take composition lessons… Continue reading Celka Ojakangas selected as resident composer for Mizzou International Composers Festival