Ted Hearne featured on WFMT
USC Thornton Composition faculty member and Chicago native Ted Hearne was interviewed on Chicago’s WFMT. He discussed how his incorporation of politics and social justice issues into his music stem from his many years of singing with the Chicago Children’s Choir. Hearne describes the choir as an “activist organization,” made up of diverse students from… Continue reading Ted Hearne featured on WFMT
José Gonzalez Granero premieres composition
USC Thornton alumnus José Gonzalez Granero (GRCT ’09) premiered his composition “Gion Overture” with the Emporia Symphony Orchestra last week. Granero, who is the Principal Clarinetist for the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, wrote the piece based on the historical neighborhood of Gion in Kyoto, Japan.
Andrew Harley appointed Director of Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music at Eastman
USC Thornton alumnus Andrew Harley (DMA ’97) recently was appointed the Director of Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music at Eastman School of Music. After earning degrees at Oxford University and the Royal Northern College of Music, Harley arrived at USC to study piano with USC Thornton Professor Emeritus John Perry. While on campus he also… Continue reading Andrew Harley appointed Director of Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music at Eastman
Echo Wang showcased in Emerging Artist Concert for Verde Valley Sinfonietta
The Verde Valley Sinfonietta showcased pianist and USC Thornton Keyboard Studies student Echo Wang in its annual Emerging Artists Concert earlier this month in Sedona, Ariz. Wang performed Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor with the orchestra, under the direction of Kevin Kozacek.
Celka Ojakangas wins grant from Opera America
Celka Ojakangas, a DMA candidate in Composition, was one of eight recipients of Opera America’s 2019 Opera Grant for Female Composers. This grant will go towards her opera Mirror Game which examines issues of gender bias through the journey of an ambitious female video game designer. Celka and her librettist, Amy Punt, initially workshopped the… Continue reading Celka Ojakangas wins grant from Opera America
Michael Abels lauded for score of Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’
Composer and USC Thornton alumnus Michael Abels ’84 was recently profiled on NPR for his score of Jordan Peele’s new horror movie, Us. NPR praises Abel for balancing terror with empathy, and Peele claims it is Abels’ heart that makes him a great horror scorer. Abels and Peele first collaborated on the Oscar-winning 2017 film Get… Continue reading Michael Abels lauded for score of Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’
USC Thornton musicians take the stage at the 2019 LA Times Festival of Books
Over 150,000 Angelenos will make their way to USC’s University Park campus this weekend for the annual LA Times Festival of Books. The two-day festival, taking place April 13-14, is a world-renowned gathering of writers, poets, artists, filmmakers, musicians and emerging storytellers. As part of the programming, attendees will watch an impressive lineup of USC… Continue reading USC Thornton musicians take the stage at the 2019 LA Times Festival of Books
Sarah Gibson wins Left Coast Composition Contest
USC Thornton Composition faculty member Sarah Gibson has just been announced as the winner of the 2019 Left Coast Competition Contest for her composition I prefer living in color. As part of the grand prize, the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble will perform the piece during their 2019-20 season. Gibson wrote I prefer living in color… Continue reading Sarah Gibson wins Left Coast Composition Contest
Saad Haddad chosen as New Young Concert Artist Composer-in-Residence
Last month, Young Concert Artists (YCA) announced USC Thornton Composition alumnus Saad Haddad ’14 as the 2019-2021 Young Concert Artist Composer-in-Residence. As the 12th composer to receive this honor, Haddad will receive management services, publicity and two Young Concert Artist commissions that will premiere at New York’s Merkin Concert Hall and the Kennedy Center in… Continue reading Saad Haddad chosen as New Young Concert Artist Composer-in-Residence
Jim Self featured on cover of AFM International Musician magazine
USC Thornton Winds and Percussion faculty member Jim Self was featured on the cover of the International American Federation of Musicians magazine’s March issue. The cover article discusses Self’s prolific success as an international soloist, chamber musician, orchestral tubist, studio musician, composer, and a life-long educator. Self also discusses his journey as a solo performing… Continue reading Jim Self featured on cover of AFM International Musician magazine