Glenn Dicterow
After more than three decades of service as concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, Glenn Dicterow joined the faculty of the USC Thornton School of Music in 2013 as the first holder of the Robert Mann Chair in Strings and Chamber Music, forging a new chapter in a distinguished, multifaceted career. In March 2022, he… Continue reading Glenn Dicterow
Martin Chalifour
Please note: Martin Chalifour will not accept new students for the fall 2023 semester. Martin Chalifour has been principal concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1995. A native of Québec, Canada, Chalifour received many grants and awards in his native land from an early age, but came to wide prominence upon receiving a Certificate… Continue reading Martin Chalifour
Lina Bahn
Lina Bahn is a violinist who has a keen interest in collaborative and innovative repertoire, and has been called “brilliant” and “lyrical” by the Washington Post. Her most recent publication of Mean Fiddle Summer on the Naxos Label was hailed by the ClevelandClassical.com, “From start to finish, the violinist demonstrates her adroit technical facility, kaleidoscope of colors, and consummate… Continue reading Lina Bahn
Stephen Pierce
Stephen Pierce is a leader in the field of piano pedagogy, and enjoys a varied career as a teacher, presenter, performer, researcher, and adjudicator. He serves on the keyboard studies faculty at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music where he oversees the keyboard pedagogy and secondary piano programs and teaches applied piano, and courses… Continue reading Stephen Pierce
Cristian Grases
Cristian Grases joined the USC Thornton faculty in the Fall 2010 semester and is currently an associate professor of choral music and conductor of the USC Thornton Concert Choir. Born in Venezuela, he earned degrees from the Simón Bolívar University (MM) in Caracas, Venezuela, and the University of Miami (DMA). He has previously served as interim director… Continue reading Cristian Grases
Percussion students and alumni join Los Angeles Philharmonic for Varèse’s Amériques
Winds & Percussion faculty James Babor, acting principal timpanist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, brought in a group of current students and alumni to join the orchestra in performances of Varèse’s monumental Amériques on Nov. 6, 7, and 9. Esa-Pekka Salonen led the orchestra through three performances that featured the work of video artist Refik… Continue reading Percussion students and alumni join Los Angeles Philharmonic for Varèse’s Amériques
Cynthia Munzer leads Lung Force Walk; named artistic director of Musiktheater Bavaria
USC Thornton Vocal Arts faculty Cynthia Munzer led and completed the inaugural Lung Force Walk in Los Angeles on November 1. Sponsored by the American Lung Association, the event supported a nationwide initiative against lung cancer. Munzer spoke about the importance of raising awareness for lung cancer and working to focus resources on lunch cancer… Continue reading Cynthia Munzer leads Lung Force Walk; named artistic director of Musiktheater Bavaria
Sam Kinsey (BM, ’16) awarded Grand Prize at Young Musicians Foundation Debut Concerto Competition
Sam Kinsey (BM, ’16) was awarded the Grand Prize at the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Concerto Competition for piano. YMF, which aims to foster “high caliber music instruction in a supportive environment,” will also feature Kinsey as a soloist with the YMF Debut Orchestra in February 2015 at the organization’s 60th Anniversary Gala Concert. Kinsey, a student of… Continue reading Sam Kinsey (BM, ’16) awarded Grand Prize at Young Musicians Foundation Debut Concerto Competition
Calder Quartet to perform with Bear McCreary (BM ’02), Melanie Henley Heyn (BM, ’04)
The Broad Stage’s ensemble-in-residence, the Calder Quartet – originally formed at USC Thornton by alumni Benjamin Jacobson (BM ’01, MM ’07), Andrew Bulbrook (BM, ’02), Jonathan Moerschel (BM ’01, MM ’03), and Eric Byers (BM, ’03) – will be joined by fellow alumni Emmy Award-winning composer Bear McCreary (BM ’02) and soprano Melanie Henley Heyn (BM, ’04) for two… Continue reading Calder Quartet to perform with Bear McCreary (BM ’02), Melanie Henley Heyn (BM, ’04)
Troy Quinn (DMA ’13) named featured conductor for Juneau Symphony’s Guest Conductor Concert Series
USC Thornton Choral and Sacred Music Program alumnus Troy Quinn (DMA ’13) was named the first featured conductor in the Juneau Symphony’s 2014-15 Guest Conductor Concert Series beginning this November. Lauded for his “energetic and riveting yet sensitive conducting,” Quinn’s program will feature the rare heard William Walton Suite from the 1944 Laurence Olivier film, Henry… Continue reading Troy Quinn (DMA ’13) named featured conductor for Juneau Symphony’s Guest Conductor Concert Series