Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to award Ralph Kirshbaum with honorary degree
Cellist Ralph Kirshbaum, chair of the USC Thornton Strings department and Gregor Piatigorsky Chair in Violoncello, will receive an Honorary Degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), in recognition of his contributions to the arts. In its announcement of the award, the Conservatoire noted that Kirshbaum “is indisputably one of the most significant artists… Continue reading Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to award Ralph Kirshbaum with honorary degree
University of Pittsburgh to build museum honoring Marilyn Horne
The University of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees has approved the creation of a museum and exhibit center honoring opera legend and USC Thornton alumna Marilyn Horne. The mezzo-soprano was a recipient of the 1992 National Medal of Arts and the 1995 Kennedy Center Honors. She has also won four GRAMMY Awards for Best Opera Recording.… Continue reading University of Pittsburgh to build museum honoring Marilyn Horne
Keenan Reesor takes teaching position with Southern Virginia University
Pianist and USC Thornton Musicology PhD candidate Keenan Reesor (MM ’10, piano performance) has accepted a tenure track position as Assistant Professor of Music at Southern Virginia University, where he will begin teaching music history and piano in the fall. Reesor is a laureate of the Wideman and Virginia Waring International Piano Competitions and a… Continue reading Keenan Reesor takes teaching position with Southern Virginia University
Student Jacob Broussard wins Mays Undergraduate Fellowship
USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music undergraduate Jacob Broussard (BA ’18, choral music) is the recipient of a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. The program is the centerpiece of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s effort to increase diversity in the faculties of colleges and universities by assisting promising undergraduates in their academic endeavors. The fellowship identifies… Continue reading Student Jacob Broussard wins Mays Undergraduate Fellowship
Houston Symphony premieres concerto by late composer, alumnus James Horner
The work of the late film composer and USC Thornton alumnus James Horner (BM ’74, composition) was honored by the Houston Symphony earlier this month. The Symphony, under conductor Michael Francis, presented the premiere of Horner’s last completed concert work, which was performed by the orchestra and four French horn soloists, two of whom were… Continue reading Houston Symphony premieres concerto by late composer, alumnus James Horner
Violinist, faculty member Martin Chalifour receives strong reviews for LA Phil performance
Violinist and USC Thornton Strings faculty member Martin Chalifour performed as the Concertmaster for the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s March 31st “From Bach to Schubert” performance and received warm reviews from the Los Angeles Times. Chalifour was featured alongside violinist Nathan Cole during the Bach Concerto for Two Violins and a brief Sinfonia in D and… Continue reading Violinist, faculty member Martin Chalifour receives strong reviews for LA Phil performance
Remembering Brian Asawa
Brian Asawa, a celebrated countertenor and non-degreed alumnus, died on April 18. He was 49. Asawa’s international career was studded with “firsts” — he was the first countertenor to be named Grand Prize Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, win Seattle Opera’s Artist of the Year Award, earn the Adler Fellowship at the… Continue reading Remembering Brian Asawa
Adam del Monte and Mak Grgić – Duo Deloro – receive strong tour review
USC Thornton Studio/Jazz Guitar faculty member Adam del Monte and Classical Guitar DMA candidate Mak Grgić are receiving strong reviews for the tour of their collaboration, Duo Deloro. Their performances include works from composers, such as Granados, Albeniz, Ginastera, as well as Argentinian tangos. In March, the duo was reviewed after a performance in Dallas… Continue reading Adam del Monte and Mak Grgić – Duo Deloro – receive strong tour review
Cristian Grases leads the Miami Children’s Chorus
USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music faculty member Cristian Grases recently led the members of the Miami Children’s Chorus in a sing-along entitled “Sing Miami: Music of the Americas.” The April 9th community event was created to inspire a love of choral music for Miami-area children while celebrating the diverse backgrounds of people in the… Continue reading Cristian Grases leads the Miami Children’s Chorus
Christopher Gravis named Director of Choral Activities at CSULA
Christopher Gravis, a doctoral candidate in the USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music program, has been named the Director of Choral Activities at California State University Los Angeles (CSULA). Gravis has gained an international reputation as a leading conductor of choral and orchestral works, recently debuting with the San Diego Symphony and leading week-long residencies… Continue reading Christopher Gravis named Director of Choral Activities at CSULA