Rave reviews for Andrew Norman’s “Split” with Jeffrey Kahane and the N.Y. Philharmonic
“Can the young American composer Andrew Norman keep this up?,” is the question posed by the New York Times in its fervent review of Norman’s new work, “Split,” which he premiered with pianist Jeffrey Kahane, maestro James Gaffigan, and the New York Philharmonic on December 10. Norman, whose previous orchestral work, “Play,” is currently nominated for… Continue reading Rave reviews for Andrew Norman’s “Split” with Jeffrey Kahane and the N.Y. Philharmonic
Percussionist Joseph Pereira featured on PBS’s ”Craft in America”
Joseph Pereira, director of USC Thornton’s percussion studio and principal timpani for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, was recently featured on the “Music” episode of PBS’s “Craft in America,” which explored the complex relationship between the design and manufacture of musical instruments and their use in performance. Pereira’s segment was the result of a full day… Continue reading Percussionist Joseph Pereira featured on PBS’s ”Craft in America”
Clarinet alumni take orchestral positions
Two clarinet alumni of USC Thornton Winds and Percussion faculty member Yehuda Gilad have secured positions with American orchestras. Brad Whitfield (MM ’11) recently won the Assistant Principal Clarinet chair with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, under maestro Christopher Confessore. Sergei Vassiliev (GCRT ’09), who recently became Principal Clarinet for the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, was the… Continue reading Clarinet alumni take orchestral positions
Faculty member Lynn Helding inaugurates vocal science association
Lynn Helding, a faculty member of the USC Thornton Vocal Arts and Opera program who specializes in vocal pedagogy, delivered the keynote address at the inaugural symposium of PAVA, the Pan-American Vocology Association, in October at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. PAVA stems from the relatively new field of voice science — also… Continue reading Faculty member Lynn Helding inaugurates vocal science association
Thornton students and alums give MAX’s “Gibberish” an orchestral edge
MAX, a rising star in popular music, featured a cast comprised almost exclusively of USC Thornton student musicians in a video for his newest single, “Gibberish.” In addition to the many Thornton students performing in the video, the orchestral arrangement is the result of a collaboration between MAX and Zi Zhu Zhao (MM ’16, piano),… Continue reading Thornton students and alums give MAX’s “Gibberish” an orchestral edge
USC Thornton Opera’s “La clemenza di Tito” receives positive reviews
The USC Thornton Opera‘s November production of W.A. Mozart’s rarely-performed opera, La clemenza di Tito, was warmly reviewed by both the Los Angeles Times and the Daily Trojan newspapers. Mark Swed, arts reviewer for the Times, drew parallels between Vocal Arts and Opera chair Ken Kazan‘s “simple but effective production” of Mozart’s “unconscionably neglected” opera… Continue reading USC Thornton Opera’s “La clemenza di Tito” receives positive reviews
USC Thornton ranks high on Hollywood Reporter’s list of top music schools
The Hollywood Reporter recently profiled USC Thornton on its list of the “Top 25 Music Schools of 2015,” ranking the school at number three. The profile noted that Thornton’s proximity to Los Angeles’ film and music industries fosters unparalleled opportunities for graduates of the school’s Contemporary Music Division, particularly in programs such as Music Industry,… Continue reading USC Thornton ranks high on Hollywood Reporter’s list of top music schools
Norman Krieger performs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Pianist Norman Krieger, of the USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty, recently performed as part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s UAB Piano Series, which was reviewed by ArtsBHAM as “a chance to hear a mature virtuoso in an intimate setting.” The review noted that “Krieger immediately captured the nature of [Beethoven’s] ‘The Tempest’ sonata… Continue reading Norman Krieger performs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Composer and alumnus Alan Chan awarded George Duke Commissioning Prize
USC Thornton Composition alumnus Alan Chan (DMA ’08) was selected as the recipient of George Duke Commissioning Prize, co-created by the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra and The ASCAP Foundation to honor the trailblazing musician, George Duke. Alan Chan’s music has been recognized with awards and fellowships from the American Composers Forum, New Music USA, and the… Continue reading Composer and alumnus Alan Chan awarded George Duke Commissioning Prize
Bassist Will Cravy wins prize in Pasadena Showcase House competition
Double Bassist and current USC Thornton graduate student William Cravy (BM ‘14, MM ‘16) was awarded second prize and the accompanying $2,500 award in the 30th Annual Pasadena Showcase House Instrumental Competition. The competition was judged by members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Cravy also has advanced to finals for the 2016 Jefferson International… Continue reading Bassist Will Cravy wins prize in Pasadena Showcase House competition