Alumna Julia Newmann’s “Bones Orchestral Suite” performed live
A work by Composition alumna Julia Newmann (BM ’03) was recently performed by a 55-piece orchestra as part of “The Women Who Score: Soundtracks Live.” A collaboration between Grand Performances and The Alliance for Women Film Composers, the event was a celebration of 21 film, television, and videogame scores by female composers. Newmann, who has… Continue reading Alumna Julia Newmann’s “Bones Orchestral Suite” performed live
Kaleidoscope 2016-17 season includes several Thornton premieres
The Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra has released plans for its 2016-17 season. Following an ambitious international call for scores, the ensemble will premiere works by USC Thornton alumni Saad Haddad (BM’14, composition), Patrick O’Malley (MM’15, composition), and Gernot Wolfgang (GCRT ’94, film scoring), as well as Thornton doctoral candidate, Julia Adolphe, among others. Currently in its… Continue reading Kaleidoscope 2016-17 season includes several Thornton premieres
Winds & Percussion alumni enjoy strong presence in Mexican orchestra
Three USC Thornton Winds & Percussion alumni are currently performing in the Orquesta Filarmónica de Boca del Río in Veracruz, Mexico. Katie Upton (MM ’16) has been the co-principal horn for the orchestra since last year. This year, Jayson Heubusch (GCRT ’16) is the orchestra’s new principal bassoonist, while Zack Borowiec (MM ’16) is the… Continue reading Winds & Percussion alumni enjoy strong presence in Mexican orchestra
Strings students shine in competition
Students of the USC Thornton Strings department have shown excellent performance in recent competitions across the United States. Cellist Gabriel Martins, a student of Ralph Kirshbaum, won the concerto competition at the Aspen Music Festival and School last summer, performing Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1. Martins was also selected to perform the Hidemith Cello Concerto… Continue reading Strings students shine in competition
Daniel Pollack returns from an ambitious performance and teaching tour
Pianist and Keyboard Studies faculty member Daniel Pollack has returned to USC Thornton following a busy spring sabbatical and international recital tour, performing in Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Pollack presented opening concerts at the Alion Baltic Festival in Tallinn, Estonia, and the Euro Music Festival and Academy in Halle, Germany, performing works by Chopin,… Continue reading Daniel Pollack returns from an ambitious performance and teaching tour
Bear McCreary chats with AXS about his career
USC Thornton Composition alumnus Bear McCreary (BM ’02) was interviewed by AXS about his recent projects and his plans for the future. The well-regarded film composer, who received USC Thornton’s 2016 Outstanding Alumnus Award, is currently scoring the final season of “Black Sails” and is looking forward to doing more concert performances in the next… Continue reading Bear McCreary chats with AXS about his career
Thornton takes center stage in new USC NCAA spot
Last week, the University of Southern California debuted its new 2016 institutional TV spot to national audiences during the NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the University of Alabama. The 30-second spot, which will air throughout the athletic season, highlights the arts USC and features a number of USC Thornton student musicians. close… Continue reading Thornton takes center stage in new USC NCAA spot
William Kanengiser talks to “Classical Guitar” about recital preparation
Classical guitarist and USC Thornton faculty member William Kanengiser was recently interviewed by Classical Guitar magazine on the importance of achieving emotional expression rather than perfection when preparing a new piece of music. Guitarists Martha Masters and Stephen Robinson were also interviewed for the August 5th article in which the artists discussed their practice techniques… Continue reading William Kanengiser talks to “Classical Guitar” about recital preparation
Keyboard Studies major gets an early start at USC Thornton
This fall, 16-year-old Shelby Wong begins her studies as a USC Thornton Keyboard Studies major a year ahead of schedule, as a participant in USC’s highly-competitive Resident Honors Program. The Irvine native served as the concertmaster and first chair for the Orange County School of the Arts Symphony Orchestra, as well as the principal second… Continue reading Keyboard Studies major gets an early start at USC Thornton
LA Phil celebrates Martin Chalifour’s 20 years at the Hollywood Bowl
Martin Chalifour, principal concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and USC Thornton Strings faculty member, celebrates his 20th season performing at the Hollywood Bowl with a concert on September 6th. Chalifour joins the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra for a program of favorites by Johann Strauss Jr., Richard Strauss, and composer-violinist Fritz Kreisler, under conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya.… Continue reading LA Phil celebrates Martin Chalifour’s 20 years at the Hollywood Bowl