Lynn Helding named editor in chief of Journal of Singing
Lynn Helding, a professor of practice and the coordinator of vocology and voice pedagogy in the USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera program, has been named the new editor-in-chief of the Journal of Singing. The Journal of Singing is the only English language international periodical dedicated exclusively to voice art, pedagogy, science, technology and health… Continue reading Lynn Helding named editor in chief of Journal of Singing
Moni Simeonov appointed director of string studies at CSU Long Beach
USC Thornton Strings Department alumnus Moni Simeonov (GC ‘07, DMA ‘18) has been appointed as the director of string studies with the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. He also recently accepted the position of interim Edelman chair of chamber music with the Colburn School of Music.
Angel Velez music directs live performance honoring Arturo Sandoval
Thornton alumnus and conductor Angel Velez (MA ‘14) serves as music director and concert producer for “For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story” Live in Concert With Arturo Sandoval and the University of Miami’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. This performance honoring the accomplishments of the four-time GRAMMY winning Cuban trumpeter and Presidential Medal of… Continue reading Angel Velez music directs live performance honoring Arturo Sandoval
Laura Leigh Spillane promoted to conductor with the National Children’s Chorus
Third-year choral music doctoral student Laura Leigh Spillane has been promoted to conduct the Concerto Ensemble with the National Children’s Chorus. She was also recently named a part-time faculty member at Saddleback College, where she will serve as director of the Saddleback Chamber Singers.
Martin Chalifour wins SFCV Audience choice award for “Best Instrumental Recital”
Los Angeles Philharmonic principal concertmaster and USC Thornton Strings Department faculty member Martin Chalifour won a SF Classical Voice Audience Choice Award in the Best Instrumental Recital category for A Chalifour Celebration at the LA Phil. This performance was held in February to commemorate Chalifour’s 25th year with the orchestra.
Rohan Chander wins the Gaudeamus Award 2022
Composer and USC Thornton Composition program alum Rohan Chander (MM ‘22) won the Gaudeamus Award, a prestigious, international award for young composers. The announcement was made at the Gaudeamus Festival in Utrecht, The Netherlands on Sept. 11. A composer and performer who performs as BAKUDI SCREAM, Chander was one of the five finalists selected from over 200… Continue reading Rohan Chander wins the Gaudeamus Award 2022
Seth Parker Woods featured in score to Ken Burns film “The U.S. And The Holocaust”
USC Thornton Strings Department faculty member and acclaimed cellist Seth Parker Woods is featured in the score of Ken Burns’ new documentary, “The U.S. and The Holocaust.” Woods performs on the track “Prayer (From Jewish Life, No. 1).” “The U.S. and The Holocaust” is a three-part, six-hour series that examines America’s response to one of… Continue reading Seth Parker Woods featured in score to Ken Burns film “The U.S. And The Holocaust”
David Riccobono named assistant principal timpani/section percussion with the LA Phil
By Katalina Garber Percussionist David Riccobono (MM ‘19) recently began a new position as the assistant principal timpani/section percussion with the LA Philharmonic. In this position, Riccobono plays in both the timpani and percussion sections, which makes him one of the busiest players in the orchestra. This marks the first time that the LA Philharmonic… Continue reading David Riccobono named assistant principal timpani/section percussion with the LA Phil
Darryl Taylor hosts international conference for African American Art Song Alliance 25th Anniversary Celebration
Darryl Taylor (MM ‘91, DMA ‘95), founder of the African American Art Song Alliance (AASA), hosts the AASA’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Conference October 13-16 at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at the University of California, Irvine. The international conference will focus on African American contributions to classical music in two main areas: social… Continue reading Darryl Taylor hosts international conference for African American Art Song Alliance 25th Anniversary Celebration
Yu-Ting Peng wins Music Academy of the West competition
USC Thornton Keyboard Collaborative Arts program doctoral student Yu-Ting Peng won the Music Academy of the West’s Duo Competition this summer. Her classmate, Matthew Harikian, performed in the competition finals. Both students study with Kevin Fitz-Gerald, a professor in the Thornton Keyboard Studies and Keyboard Collaborative Arts programs.