LA Phil performs Juan Pablo Contreras’ “Mariachitlán” at the Hollywood Bowl
On July 18, the Los Angeles Philharmonic performed USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Juan Pablo Contreras’ (DMA ’21) Mariachitlán at the Hollywood Bowl. The concert was conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto. The piece honors Contreras’ birthplace, the Mexican state of Jalisco, where mariachi music originated. Mariachitlán won the 2016 Jalisco Orchestral Composition Contest and… Continue reading LA Phil performs Juan Pablo Contreras’ “Mariachitlán” at the Hollywood Bowl
New York Philharmonic performs Nina Shekhar’s “Lumina” in China
On June 28, the New York Philharmonic performed composer Nina Shekhar‘s (MM ’20) “Lumina” at the Guangzhou Opera House in China. Her piece was featured alongside works by Mahler and Brahms. The concert was conducted by music director of the New York Philharmonic, Jaap van Zweden. *** Photo by Shervin Lainez
Michael Abels composes score for “Star Wars: The Acolyte”
Award-winning composer and USC Thornton alumnus Michael Abels (‘84) scored the newest series in the Star Wars universe, The Acolyte, which premiered on Disney+ on June 4. The score blends the traditional music of Star Wars with edgy and percussive sounds unique to this new story created by Leslye Headland. “We decided pretty quickly we… Continue reading Michael Abels composes score for “Star Wars: The Acolyte”
Patrick O’Malley releases debut orchestral album “The Horizons” with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Composer and USC Thornton alumnus Patrick O’Malley (MM ’15, DMA ’19) has released his debut orchestral album The Horizons with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Constantine. Featuring violist Brett Deubner, O’Malley’s viola concerto is accompanied by his pieces “Soliloquy,” “Obliviana” and “Rest and Restless.” “The viola concerto concerns itself with rejuvenation and… Continue reading Patrick O’Malley releases debut orchestral album “The Horizons” with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Composer Anuj Bhutani collaborates with Khemia Ensemble on new work
Composer Anuj Bhutani (MM ’24) will collaborate with the Khemia Ensemble on a new work funded by Chamber Music America’s Classical Commissioning grant program. Still in the early stages of the project, the ensemble has been “meeting with Anuj one-on-one to use experimentation and guided improvisation to create source materials for electronic processing.” *** Photo… Continue reading Composer Anuj Bhutani collaborates with Khemia Ensemble on new work
Composer Nina Shekhar to present world premiere of “Glitter Monster” with LACO
Composer and USC Thornton alumna Nina Shekhar (MM ’20) will present the world premiere of a Sound Investment commissioned piece, Glitter Monster, with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for their final concert of the 2023-24 season. Conducted by Jaime Martín, the program will also feature Gabriela Montero’s rendition of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in… Continue reading Composer Nina Shekhar to present world premiere of “Glitter Monster” with LACO
Camae Ayewa wins Chanel Next Prize
USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother) won a Chanel Next Prize for her work in music and poetry. The biennial Chanel Next Prize is awarded to 10 contemporary artists in various disciplines around the world who “are defining what is new and next in contemporary art and culture.” The winners receive… Continue reading Camae Ayewa wins Chanel Next Prize
Composer Nicolás Lell Benavides named 2024 Guggenheim Fellow
USC Thornton composition program faculty member Nicolás Lell Benavides (DMA ’22) has been named a 2024 Guggenheim Fellow. Established in 1925, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation awards monetary prizes to 188 fellows across 52 scholarly disciplines and artistic fields. “It’s humbling to be recognized by colleagues whose work I admire so much, and to… Continue reading Composer Nicolás Lell Benavides named 2024 Guggenheim Fellow
Gustavo Dudamel to conduct Nina Shekhar’s New York premiere of “The Mother is Standing”
Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will conduct USC Thornton Composition alumna Nina Shekhar’s The Mother is Standing at the New York Philharmonic’s Spring Gala on April 24. Dedicated to Shekhar’s mother, the piece examines the love between a mother and child across cultures and religions. This year’s Spring Gala… Continue reading Gustavo Dudamel to conduct Nina Shekhar’s New York premiere of “The Mother is Standing”
Austin Wintory conducts 2024 Game Developers Conference performance in San Francisco
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Austin Wintory (‘07) conducted a live instrumental performance at the 2024 Game Developers Conference on March 20 in San Francisco. Co-hosted by voice actor Troy Baker, the performance showcased influential and award-winning game scores throughout history, with a focus on this last year. The concert was presented in accompaniment with… Continue reading Austin Wintory conducts 2024 Game Developers Conference performance in San Francisco