Andrew Norman’s “A Trip to the Moon” proves popular with L.A. Phil audiences
A Trip to the Moon, the new children’s opera by composer and USC Thornton faculty member Andrew Norman (’02, MM ’04), was warmly reviewed in the Los Angeles Times following its U.S premiere with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on March 2nd at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Times described the opera, which has seen significant… Continue reading Andrew Norman’s “A Trip to the Moon” proves popular with L.A. Phil audiences
WQXR calls on Julia Adolphe for International Women’s Day inspiration
In honor of International Women’s Day (March 8th), New York’s WQXR asked eleven composers about the most influential women in their professional lives. At the top of the list is USC Thornton doctoral candidate Julia Adolphe (MM ’12), who spoke about the influence of composers Sofia Gubaidulina and Paola Prestini, as well as her mother,… Continue reading WQXR calls on Julia Adolphe for International Women’s Day inspiration
Frank Ticheli warmly reviewed by the New York Classical Review
The East Coast premiere of composer and USC Thornton faculty member Frank Ticheli’s Symphony No. 3 “The Shore” was warmly reviewed by the New York Classical Review following a February performance at Carnegie Hall by the New York Choral Society. The review drew stylistic similarities with Debussy and Ravel, while lauding the symphony for its… Continue reading Frank Ticheli warmly reviewed by the New York Classical Review
This Sunday, join in a 75th birthday celebration of Morten Lauridsen
Composer, USC Thornton faculty member, and National Medal of Arts recipient Morten Lauridsen will celebrate his 75th birthday with a special concert at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Glendale on Sunday, March 4th. The celebration will feature the Donald Brinegar Singers in a performance of Lauriden’s beloved Lux Aeterna, O Magnum Mysterium, and The Nocturnes,… Continue reading This Sunday, join in a 75th birthday celebration of Morten Lauridsen
Kevin Hartnett choral work featured by Swiss ensemble
The Zurich Chamber Singers recently performed “De Profundis” by USC Thornton Composition alumnus Kevin Hartnett (BM ’13), in several performances throughout Switzerland. The work was commissioned by the ensemble and premiered in 2016 and was also recorded as part of their debut album, to be released by ARS Produktion in 2018. Hartnett currently serves as… Continue reading Kevin Hartnett choral work featured by Swiss ensemble
Jim Self artist in residence at Knoxville
Tuba player and USC Thornton faculty member Jim Self is currently serving as Artist in Residence at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, where he taught from 1969-75. In addition to serving as principal tuba with the Pacific and Pasadena Symphonies, as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and L.A. Opera Orchestra, Self has notably performed on… Continue reading Jim Self artist in residence at Knoxville
Mak Grgić releases new album
Mak Grgić (MM ’12, DMA ’16), an Artist Diploma candidate in the USC Thornton Classical Guitar program, has released an album, MAKrotonal, which uses specially re-fretted instruments to reexamine standard repertoire and to present newly commissioned works. Excerpts can be heard on Grgić’s website. Grgić serves as director of a number of music festivals worldwide… Continue reading Mak Grgić releases new album
London Philharmonic Choir to perform Morten Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium”
On Monday, February 12th, the London Philharmonic Choir will perform “O Magnum Mysterium” by USC Thornton faculty member Morten Lauridsen (’66, MA’68, DMA’74) in a special concert at London’s Buckingham Palace. The concert, honoring Princess Alexandra, will feature performances by several ensembles to raise funds for families whose lives are affected by dementia. The Los… Continue reading London Philharmonic Choir to perform Morten Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium”
Navy Brass Ensemble premieres work by alumni, for alumni
The United States Naval Academy Band’s Brass Ensemble recently premiered a work by USC Thornton alumnus Giovanni Santos (MM ’07), written for and performed by fellow alumnus, trumpeter Matt Harriman (MM ’08). Voyages was performed on January 28th at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., under the baton of Lieutenant Commander Diane Nichols. Also performing… Continue reading Navy Brass Ensemble premieres work by alumni, for alumni
Gabriel Martins wins second place at the Sphinx Competition
Gabriel Martins, a junior cellist at USC Thornton, earned a prize for the second year in a row at the Sphinx Competition, a national event for Black and Latino classical string players. Martins took second place, earning a $20,000 award, but was the top cellist. Violinist Rubén Rengel won the Senior Division. Last year, Thornton… Continue reading Gabriel Martins wins second place at the Sphinx Competition