Argus Quartet joins residency program at Yellow Barn
The Argus Quartet has been invited to participate in a week-long residency program this September at Yellow Barn, an international center for chamber music, encouraging the discovery of music in the studio, classroom and concert hall. The quartet was founded by alum Clara Kim (DM ’15) with classmates from USC. Yellow Barn has welcomed back… Continue reading Argus Quartet joins residency program at Yellow Barn
Connie Sheu leads new Suzuki Guitar program at Colburn’s Community School of Performing Arts
The Colburn Community School of Performing Arts has launched a new guitar program, directed by Thornton alumna Connie Sheu (DMA ’11), that seeks to make classical music and instruments more accessible to beginning students. The program is based in the Suzuki teaching method, founded by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki. Sheu sees classical guitar as a… Continue reading Connie Sheu leads new Suzuki Guitar program at Colburn’s Community School of Performing Arts
Seonmi Lee joins faculty at Korea National University of Arts
Pianist and USC Thornton alumna Seonmi Lee (DMA ’19) has been appointed to the collaborative piano faculty at Korea National University of Arts, which is considered one of the most prominent Korean universities for pianists. In the role, Lee, who won her first international competition at age 10, will teach both collaboration and solo piano.… Continue reading Seonmi Lee joins faculty at Korea National University of Arts
Michael Lee commissioned by Ensemble Ari
Ensemble Ari will premiere USC Thornton alumnus Michael Lee’s (DMA ’17) “Ghost Break Dance” at the Friends of Chamber Music concert series at the University of the Pacific on September 22. The work was commissioned by the Bay Area ensemble. Additionally, a composition written by Lee while he was at USC, “Unmasked for Classical Guitar,”… Continue reading Michael Lee commissioned by Ensemble Ari
Vijay Venkatesh and Eva Schaumkell perform as Vieness Piano Duo
The Vieness Piano Duo, which is comprised of USC Thornton alumnus Vijay Venkatesh (’17) and DMA candidate Eva Schaumkell, traveled from coast-to-coast this summer, performing in several concert series in Los Angeles and New Jersey. This included Le Salon de Musiques, Glendale’s Second Saturday and Music Guild series in Los Angeles as well as a… Continue reading Vijay Venkatesh and Eva Schaumkell perform as Vieness Piano Duo
Yewon Lee appointed Music Director of San Diego Festival Chorus
Emerging conductor Yewon Lee will take the lead at the San Diego Festival Chorus as the newly appointed Music Director. Lee, a who is pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Music at USC Thornton, has garnered recognition for her work with the Baldwin Wallace Opera Theater and the National Opera Center in New… Continue reading Yewon Lee appointed Music Director of San Diego Festival Chorus
Ken Cazan directs largest opera in history of Central City Opera House
Last month, Ken Cazan, the Resident Stage Director of the USC Thornton Opera, directed the Central City Opera’s Colorado debut of Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd. CBS Denver featured a story of the performance, which with its 60 performers was the biggest show in the 140-year history of the Central City Opera House. “It’s more thrilling… Continue reading Ken Cazan directs largest opera in history of Central City Opera House
USC Thornton community honors Alice Schoenfeld
On Sunday, July 28, the USC Thornton community celebrated the life of acclaimed violinist, teacher and philanthropist Alice Schoenfeld, Emerita Professor of Violin at USC Thornton, who died last May. Of those in attendance, over 50 were former students of Alice or her sister Eleanor Schoenfeld, who was also a longtime USC Thornton professor of… Continue reading USC Thornton community honors Alice Schoenfeld
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet showcased in Jackson Hole News and Guide
The GRAMMY Award-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, which features USC Thornton faculty members Scott Tenant and Bill Kanengiser, USC Thornton alumnus Matthew Greif (MM’92), and John Dearman, was recently showcased by the Jackson Hole News and Guide. The article discusses how the celebrated group that has a 15-title discography has managed to stay together for… Continue reading Los Angeles Guitar Quartet showcased in Jackson Hole News and Guide
Heesong Lee places second in international choral competition
Heeseong Lee, a doctoral candidate in USC Thornton’s Choral & Sacred Music program, recently placed second in the 2019 World Choral Conducting Competition. The native of South Korea stood out in a field that included contestants from 29 countries. In addition to a cash prize, Lee also received the opportunity to study with choral conducting… Continue reading Heesong Lee places second in international choral competition