Composer Jaco Wong collaborates with animation artist
Composer and conductor Jaco Wong (MM ’16, Choral and Composition) was commissioned by animation artist Evan Tedlock to compose Psithaura, a ritualized experience inspiring reflection on our relationship to nature, for 16-part mixed chorus. The work was premiered in April, 2018, in an interactive installation exhibited at the USC Firehouse art gallery, then was later… Continue reading Composer Jaco Wong collaborates with animation artist
Accepting applications for the Kerže Scholarship
The American Slovenian Education Foundation (ASEF) recently announced the 2019 Kerže Scholarship fund for Slovenian music students at USC Thornton. The scholarships give Slovenian students the opportunity to travel to the U.S. to study at Thornton while enabling research and innovation between the two countries. Five students are currently benefiting from these scholarship funds, including… Continue reading Accepting applications for the Kerže Scholarship
Jenny Wong conducts the LA Master Chorale on tour
Jenny Wong, an alumna of the USC Thornton Choral Music program and associate conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale (LAMC), was warmly reviewed for her conducting of Orlando di Lasso’s Lagrine di San Pietro at the Melbourne International Arts Festival in Australia. The Renaissance madrigal cycle, which the LAMC is currently touring in an… Continue reading Jenny Wong conducts the LA Master Chorale on tour
Juan Pablo Contreras premieres new work with LACO
Tonight, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) will present the U.S. premiere of current doctoral student Juan Pablo Contreras’ harp concerto, Ángel Mestizo. The event, which begins at 8:00 pm at Hauser + Wirth in Downtown Los Angeles, is part of SESSION, a series in which LACO musicians collaborate with compelling composers in unique spaces. … Continue reading Juan Pablo Contreras premieres new work with LACO
Ted Hearne earns strong NY Times review
The Crossing, a Philadelphia-based choral ensemble focusing on contemporary music, recently premiered a new work by composer and USC Thornon faculty member Ted Hearne, at the Park Avenue Armory. Hearne’s Animals, which incorporated a brief text by President Donald Trump about illegal immigrants, was one of ten works on patriotism and war, environmental depredation, and… Continue reading Ted Hearne earns strong NY Times review
Thomas Mellan presents Ukrainian premiere of Messiaen organ work
Thomas Mellan (BM ’17), who is currently double majoring in Organ Studies and Composition at USC Thornton, recently undertook a Summer concert tour of France and the Ukraine, performing in spectacular churches and festival venues, including Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye and Saint-Martin d’Esquermes. In Lviv, Ukraine, Mellan presented a series of three concerts at the Lviv Organ Hall,… Continue reading Thomas Mellan presents Ukrainian premiere of Messiaen organ work
Sarah Gibson profiled by BMI
Composer and USC Thornton faculty member Sarah Gibson (MM ’10, DMA ’15) was recently interviewed on the BMI website about her start in the field, her new music piano duo, Hocket, and her diverse body of compositions, including those for toy piano. Gibson was recently named 2018-2019 Sound Investment Composer by Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra… Continue reading Sarah Gibson profiled by BMI
Three new albums celebrate the music of Morten Lauridsen
This Fall marks an exciting lineup of album releases and concerts celebrating the music of Morten Lauridsen (’66, MA’68, DMA’74), USC Thornton Distinguished Professor of Composition and National Medal of Arts recipient. In October, the Chamber Choir of Europe and I Virtuosi Italiani chamber orchestra will release an all-Lauridsen disc on the Deutsche Grammophon label,… Continue reading Three new albums celebrate the music of Morten Lauridsen
Remy Taghavi joins New Haven Symphony as principal bassoon
USC Thornton alumnus Rémy Taghavi (BM ’12) recently won the principal bassoon position with the New Haven Symphony in New Haven, Connecticut. Taghavi has been a member of numerous performing ensembles, including the USC Thornton Symphony, Julliard Orchestra, New Juilliard Ensemble and various other chamber groups. Additionally, he has been a substitute member of Symphony… Continue reading Remy Taghavi joins New Haven Symphony as principal bassoon
Daniel Linder joins University of Arizona piano faculty
Pianist and USC Thornton doctoral candidate Daniel Linder recently took the position of Assistant Professor of Music in the Keyboard/Accompanying department of the University of Arizona’s Fox School of Music. Linder, who was named a 2018 USC Thornton Outstanding Graduate, also earned the 2018 Fresno Musical Club Susan Torres Award, and received first prize in… Continue reading Daniel Linder joins University of Arizona piano faculty