Posts Tagged ‘Classical Performance and Composition’


L.C. Harnsberger Olvera Street opera performed

June 26, 2017

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

Frank Ticheli presents band workshops in Italy

June 20, 2017

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

June 15, 2017

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

June 12, 2017

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

May 30, 2017

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

May 25, 2017

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

May 23, 2017

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

May 16, 2017

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


Clarinet student Eric Abramovitz takes new position with Nashville Symphony

May 11, 2017

Clarinetist Eric Abramovitz, a USC Thornton Winds & Percussion graduate student of faculty member Yehuda Gilad, was recently named the associate principal/E-flat/2nd clarinet with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. This is the latest accolade in a banner year for Abramovitz, who also took 1st Prize for Classical Clarinet at the 2017 Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition and… Continue reading Clarinet student Eric Abramovitz takes new position with Nashville Symphony


Hear Now Music Festival features over 15 Thornton musicians

May 8, 2017

The seventh annual Hear Now Music Festival took place at the end of April, showcasing many of the most compelling artistic voices in Southern California new music, including a broad slate of USC Thornton students, faculty, and alumni. Pianist and alumnus Gernot Wolfgang (GCRT ’94, film scoring) serves as Associate Artistic Director of the festival,… Continue reading Hear Now Music Festival features over 15 Thornton musicians