Calder Quartet releases new album
The Calder Quartet, comprised of USC Thornton alumni – violinists Benjamin Jacobson (’01, MM ’07) and Andrew Bulbrook (’02), violist Jonathan Moerschel (’01, MM ’03), and cellist Eric Byers (’03), has released a new album on Pentatone Records. Beethoven Hillborg includes recordings of Beethoven’s String Quartets No. 3 in D Major Op. 18 No. 3… Continue reading Calder Quartet releases new album
Strauss Shi to solo with Pacific Symphony
Violinist and USC Thornton Master’s of Music student Strauss Shi will be a featured soloist in the Pacific Symphony’s Symphony in the Cities series. Carl St.Clair, the Music Director of the Pacific Symphony and Artistic Leader and Principal Conductor of the USC Thornton Orchestras, will conduct the four concerts that will take place over two… Continue reading Strauss Shi to solo with Pacific Symphony
Morten Lauridsen nominated for an Opus Klassik Award
Morten Lauridsen, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Composition at USC Thornton, recently received a nomination in the Best Choral Recording category of the 2019 Opus Klassik Awards, Germany’s premier classical awards, for “Light Eternal – The Choral Music of Morten Lauridsen.” The recording, which was conducted by Nicol Matt and performed by the Chamber Choir of… Continue reading Morten Lauridsen nominated for an Opus Klassik Award
David Riccobono wins Principal Percussion position with the Long Beach Symphony
USC Thornton alumni performed spectacularly well at the recent Long Beach Symphony audition. David Riccobono (MM ’19) won the Principal Percussion position while Jeff Grant (GCRT ’14) placed second. Riccobono, who received his Bachelor’s degree from UCLA in 2017, studied with Los Angeles Philharmonic percussionists and USC Thornton faculty members Joseph Pereira and James Babor… Continue reading David Riccobono wins Principal Percussion position with the Long Beach Symphony
Caroline Wilkins wins the American Harp Society National Competition
Earlier this month, harpist and USC Thornton alumna Caroline Wilkins (BM ’16, MM ’19) won the grand prize in the Young Professional division at the 2019 American Harp Society (AHS) National Competition. As part of the award, Wilkins will serve as the AHS Concert Artist for the next two years, performing and presenting masterclasses at… Continue reading Caroline Wilkins wins the American Harp Society National Competition
Lesley Leighton appointed Director of Choral Activities at CSUSB
USC Thornton alumna Lesley Leighton (MM ’91, DMA ’12) has been appointed the tenure-track position of Director of Choral Activities at the California State University San Bernardino’s Music Department. Leighton, who has premiered over 50 works since 2009, served as UCLA’s director of choruses from 2014-2016 and has regularly conducted the Los Angeles Master Chorale… Continue reading Lesley Leighton appointed Director of Choral Activities at CSUSB
Jeffrey Kahane earns glowing review
Jeffrey Kahane, a USC Thornton professor of Keyboard Studies, earned a glowing review from the Shepherd Express for his guest conducting performance with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, during with he also played a piano concerto. “Kahane moved seamlessly in his two roles,” said the article. “The music came forth with lively, in-the-moment presence. I think… Continue reading Jeffrey Kahane earns glowing review
USC Percussion Group noted in LA Times
The USC Percussion Group performed “Fear-Release” by Ellen Reid at the third-annual LA Phil’s Noon to Midnight event. The LA Times mentioned the performance in their review of the event, saying it was “captivating in its gentle rustling.” Also mentioned was Thornton alumna and faculty member Sara Gibson’s performance with HOCKET and percussionist Michael Basak’s… Continue reading USC Percussion Group noted in LA Times
Yura Lee
Violinist and violist Yura Lee is an associate professor of practice and the Alice and Eleonore Schoenfeld Endowed Chair in String Instruction at the USC Thornton School of Music. One of the most versatile artists in the world, she is one of the few musicians who has mastery of both violin and viola and actively… Continue reading Yura Lee
Dale Trumbore publishes new book
USC Thornton Composition alumna Dale Trumbore (MM ’11) recently published a new book entitled Staying Composed: Overcoming Anxiety and Self-Doubt Within a Creative Life. With lessons drawn from her professional composing career, Trumbore offers tips for creatives in any field and breaks down obstacles to a creative career. The book also presents strategies to create… Continue reading Dale Trumbore publishes new book