Midori Goto to join Curtis Institute faculty in fall of 2018
USC Thornton distinguished professor Midori Goto, Jascha Heifetz Chair in Violin, will join the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music, beginning in the 2018–19 school year. The internationally-renowned performer and educational advocate will continue her 14-year relationship with Thornton as a visiting artist following her move to Philadelphia. “I am thankful for the time… Continue reading Midori Goto to join Curtis Institute faculty in fall of 2018
William Dehning, long-time USC Thornton Choral chair, 1942-2017
Choral conductor and USC Thornton alumnus William Dehning (MA ’67, DMA ’71, choral), who led the department of Choral & Sacred Music as chair from 1992 to 2007, passed away on June 23, 2017. A native of Minnesota, Dehning studied with Ingolf Dahl, Walter Ducloux, Charles C. Hirt, Halsey Stevens and James Vail at USC… Continue reading William Dehning, long-time USC Thornton Choral chair, 1942-2017
L.C. Harnsberger Olvera Street opera performed
Golondrina, a chamber opera by composer and alumnus L.C. Harnsberger‘s (BM, ’89, Composition), was performed last month by the Southern California-based Vineyard Touring Opera Company. The opera, which premiered in 2015, tells the true story behind Los Angeles’ Olvera Street landmark and efforts to save its iconic plaza during the construction of Union Station. With… Continue reading L.C. Harnsberger Olvera Street opera performed
Frank Ticheli presents band workshops in Italy
Composer and USC Thornton faculty member Frank Ticheli is traveling throughout Italy this summer, where he will present several concerts and workshops. Known for his works for concert band, Ticheli will lead programs for Italian band directors in the cities of Fermo, Serra di Conti and Morbegno before presenting at the International Band Festival of… Continue reading Frank Ticheli presents band workshops in Italy
L.A. Master Chorale celebrates Morten Lauridsen
This week, the Los Angeles Master Chorale (LAMC) celebrates the 20th anniversary of USC Distinguished Professor Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna with a series of concerts and events at Walt Disney Concert Hall (June 17-22). Alumnus Grant Gershon (’85, piano), USC Thornton Board of Councilors member and artistic director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, was… Continue reading L.A. Master Chorale celebrates Morten Lauridsen
Soprano Jessica Rivera reprises role in “Hubble Cantata” in Los Angeles
Soprano and USC Thornton alumna Jessica Rivera (MM ’98) returns to Southern California in October to reprise her role in the groundbreaking Hubble Cantata, a multimedia “experience that pushes the boundaries of art and science as it takes audiences on a journey of wonder and exploration.” Soprano Jessica Rivera performing during the premiere of the… Continue reading Soprano Jessica Rivera reprises role in “Hubble Cantata” in Los Angeles
Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers performs Morten Lauridsen arrangement
International violinist Anne Akiko Meyers recently performed a violin arrangement of O Magnum Mysterium, a popular choral work by composer and USC Thornton faculty member Morten Lauridsen (’66, MA’68, DMA’74). Arranged especially for her, Meyers presented the work in recitals in New York City and Washington, D.C., last month. During her tour, Meyers visited the… Continue reading Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers performs Morten Lauridsen arrangement
Argus Quartet wins senior strings division of M Prize
The Argus Quartet, which includes USC Thornton alumni Clara Kim (DMA ’15, violin) and Jason Issokson (MM ’10, violin) along with violist Dana Kelley and cellist Jo Whang, was named the first place winner in the Senior Strings division of the University of Michigan’s M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition. In addition to a cash prize of… Continue reading Argus Quartet wins senior strings division of M Prize
Clarinet student Dario Brignoli takes principal position with Tucson Symphony
Clarinetist and USC Thornton graduate student Dario Brignoli recently won the principal clarinet position with the Tucson Symphony. Brignoli joins three Thornton alumni performing with the ensemble: principal flutist Alexander Lipay (MM ’07, flute), principal keyboardist Paula Fan (MM ‘74, DMA ’82, keyboard collaborative arts), and bassoonist Benjamin Yingst (MM ’08, bassoon). Thornton graduate certificate… Continue reading Clarinet student Dario Brignoli takes principal position with Tucson Symphony
Composition alumnus Saad Haddad travels the globe
Though the 2016-17 season is winding down, composer and USC Thornton alumnus Saad Haddad (’14, composition) continues to travel the globe to share his music. Recently awarded the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, as well as the Grand Prize at the S&R Foundation Washington Awards, Haddad spent five weeks… Continue reading Composition alumnus Saad Haddad travels the globe