ArcoStrum perform in “Musicians on the Rise” concert at Kaufman Music Center
USC Thornton DMA candidate in Classical Guitar Tengyue (Ty) Zhang and Strings program alumnus Strauss Shi (MM ’19), now known as ArcoStrum, performed at the Kaufman Music Center on April 4 as part of the “Musicians on the Rise” concert series. The violin-guitar duo reimagines Chinese traditional music, modern rock and classical masterworks. ArcoStrum was… Continue reading ArcoStrum perform in “Musicians on the Rise” concert at Kaufman Music Center
Tyler Eschendal premiered “ACTIONS” at Lineage Performing Arts Center
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Tyler Eschendal (MM ’18) premiered his latest work, “ACTIONS,” at the Lineage Performing Arts Center in Pasadena on March 29-30. According to the program note, “ACTIONS” is part of five interconnected movements exploring the musicality of speech and communication. Each movement presents a different verbal or physical action (Arguing, Acting,… Continue reading Tyler Eschendal premiered “ACTIONS” at Lineage Performing Arts Center
Caroline Wilkins Wins Principal Harp Position
USC Thornton Harp Performance alumna Caroline Wilkins (‘16, MM ‘19) won the principal harp position with the Boise Philharmonic. Wilkins, who studied under JoAnn Turovsky, has served as principal harpist with the American Youth Symphony, the Debut Chamber Orchestra and the USC Thornton Symphony. She is the 2019 grand prize winner of the American Harp… Continue reading Caroline Wilkins Wins Principal Harp Position
Troy Quinn to conduct Nas with the Boston Pops
Troy Quinn, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Conducting program, will lead a Boston Pops program featuring rapper Nas on June 27 at Tanglewood. The concert is part of Tanglewood’s Popular Artist Series. Quinn made his Boston Symphony Orchestra debut at their New Year’s Eve celebration. *** Photo courtesy of USC Thornton.
Jennifer Marotta, Equity Arc Wind Symphony Perform
Trumpet player and USC Thornton faculty member Jennifer Marotta was featured in a CBS “60 Minutes” segment that aired on March 16, covering the United States Marine Band concert with teens from Equity Arc that was canceled due to an executive order banning DEI programs throughout the government. The story covered how a new concert… Continue reading Jennifer Marotta, Equity Arc Wind Symphony Perform
Oliviana Marie Wins Collegiate Composition Competition
USC Thornton Composition program student Oliviana Marie received two awards at the inaugural Ruth Wales duPont Collegiate Composition Competition presented by American Pops Orchestra (APO), winning first prize in the Popular Music Division and the Audience Selection Award for her original piece, “Azalea Woods.” The debut APO performance of all six finalists’ compositions in both… Continue reading Oliviana Marie Wins Collegiate Composition Competition
Juan Pablo Contreras named co-chair of New Music USA’s Board of Directors
Juan Pablo Contreras (DMA ’21), a USC Thornton Composition program faculty member and alumnus, was named the new co-chair of New Music USA’s Board of Directors alongside Anne-Marie Spataru, effective July 1, 2025. Contreras and Spataru will guide New Music USA into its next chapter, as the organization’s Board begins recruitment for its next president… Continue reading Juan Pablo Contreras named co-chair of New Music USA’s Board of Directors
Heeseong Lee wins Denver Philharmonic Orchestra International Conducting Competition
Heeseong Lee, a doctoral candidate in the USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music program, won the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra 2025 International Conducting Workshop, Concert & Competition. Lee was awarded the Golden Baton for outstanding artistry and leadership by Lawrence Golan and Donald Schleicher, who invited her to conduct a piece with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra… Continue reading Heeseong Lee wins Denver Philharmonic Orchestra International Conducting Competition
Anne Ranzani Wins Principal Bassoon Position
USC Thornton alumna Anne Ranzani (’19, MM ’21, GCRT ’23) has joined the Long Beach Symphony as principal bassoonist. Ranzani performs across California as the principal bassoonist for the California Symphony and Monterey Symphony, as well. At Thornton, she studied under the tutelage of Winds & Percussion faculty members Judith Farmer and Shawn Mouser. ***… Continue reading Anne Ranzani Wins Principal Bassoon Position
Kana Funayama performed in Frances Walton Competition Solo Winners’ Tour
Kana Funayama, a percussionist and candidate for Artist Diploma at USC Thornton, performed in the Frances Walton Competition Solo Winners’ Tour. Funayama received last year’s prize for marimba and malleted instruments. She performed as a soloist alongside pianist Sean Yang on Sept. 10, 2024, in Chelan, Washington. *** Photo courtesy of Kana Funayama.