Violist Donald McInnes interviewed by Ovation Press
USC Thornton alumnus, retired faculty member and performer Donald McInnes was recently interviewed by Ovation Press, an internet-based music publisher. In the interview, McInnes spoke about his career as both a concert violist and as a teacher. “I have always been passionate about sharing my experiences performing in a way that helps my students to… Continue reading Violist Donald McInnes interviewed by Ovation Press
Alumnus Nic Gerpe featured in REDCAT solo performance
USC Thornton alumnus Nic Gerpe (DMA ’12, piano) will be featured in a solo piano performance at The Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) on Tuesday, April 28. An international performer with a focus in new music, Gerpe currently serves on the faculty of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Gerpe will perform works by Alexina… Continue reading Alumnus Nic Gerpe featured in REDCAT solo performance
Alumna Leah Schwartz-Aksnes named principal clarinet of Danish orchestra
Thornton alumna Leah Schwartz-Aksnes (MM ’09) was named principal clarinet of the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra in Denmark. At USC Thornton, she studied with Yehuda Gilad and performed with the Thornton Symphony Orchestra. The Aalborg Symphony’s 65 musicians perform over 200 concerts a year.
Percussion students win placements with summer festivals
Several USC Thornton percussion students have been awarded placements with summer festival ensembles. Steve Logan (GRCT’ 15) won the position of principal timpani with the National Repertory Orchestra, while Johnathan Wisner (MM’16) won the principal timpani position with Bard College’s Orchestra Now in addition to a percussion spot with the National Repertory Orchestra. Brice Burton… Continue reading Percussion students win placements with summer festivals
The USC Thornton Opera Program presents Gluck’s “Iphigenie en Tauride”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leh6jhODiI0
Calder Quartet featured on the cover of Strings Magazine
The Calder Quartet, which was formed by USC Thornton alumni Benjamin Jacobson, Johnathan Moreschel, Eric Beyers and Andrew Bulbrook, is featured on the May 2015 cover of Strings Magazine. The feature article explores the changing performance landscape for chamber quartets and the increasing role that music schools play in equipping students for successful careers. Bulbrook… Continue reading Calder Quartet featured on the cover of Strings Magazine
Composition by Michael Lee to be featured by Albany Symphony
A composition by USC Thornton DMA student Michael Lee was selected for the Albany Symphony Orchestra’s “Composer to Center Stage Reading Session” during their 2015 American Music Festival. Lee’s work, Amped, was premiered by the USC Thornton Symphony at the New Music for Orchestra concert under the baton of professor Donald Crockett in the fall… Continue reading Composition by Michael Lee to be featured by Albany Symphony
Andrew Norman named Director of LA Phil Composer Fellowship Program
USC Thornton Composition professor Andrew Norman will join the Los Angeles Philharmonic as Director of the innovative Composer Fellowship Program, which offers exceptional high-school-age composers an opportunity to engage with more established composers. Norman is presently overseeing the selection process for the next class of Composer Fellows, who will begin the two-year program in the… Continue reading Andrew Norman named Director of LA Phil Composer Fellowship Program
Mak Grgic to perform at music festival in Seoul
Thornton Classical Guitar DMA student Mak Grgić will perform at Korea’s first Right Now Music festival in Seoul, South Korea on April 11th and 12th. Grgić’s latest album, Cinema Verismo, was recently released in Korea and he will perform songs from the album on KBS radio. Grgić recently performed at the Outside the Box festival… Continue reading Mak Grgic to perform at music festival in Seoul
Alum Roger Zare premieres orchestral work with the California State Northridge Symphony
USC Thornton alum Roger Zare (BM ’07) had a piece premiered by the California State Northridge Symphony on March 4. Zare won the 12th annual Northridge Competition Prize for the orchestral version of his piece, Fractal Miniatures. Zare’s piece is a set of 8 movements that reflect his impressions of various fractal patterns. Originally composed… Continue reading Alum Roger Zare premieres orchestral work with the California State Northridge Symphony