Posts Tagged ‘Composition’


Headshot of Greg Reitan.

Greg Reitan releases new album, “The Bounding Line”

October 14, 2024

Pianist and composer Greg Reitan (‘96) released his new album, The Bounding Line, via Sunnyside Records on Sept. 6. The album features Reitan on piano, Jack Daro (’93, MM ’99) on acoustic bass and Dean Koba (MM ’93) on drums. The ideas for the original compositions on this record emerged during Reitan’s residency at the… Continue reading Greg Reitan releases new album, “The Bounding Line”


Composer Juan Pablo Contreras standing at a conductor's podium dressed in a concert suit.

Juan Pablo Contreras’ “La Minerva” receives 2024 Latin Grammy nomination

September 30, 2024

Juan Pablo Contreras (DMA ’21), a USC Thornton Composition program faculty member and alumnus, received a Latin Grammy nomination in the Best Classical Contemporary Composition category for his violin concerto, La Minerva. La Minerva was recently performed by Orquesta Latino Mexicana, an ensemble Contreras founded in 2019, and soloist Angélica Olivo. Watch the recording here.… Continue reading Juan Pablo Contreras’ “La Minerva” receives 2024 Latin Grammy nomination


A group of choral students standing outside a college library in the sunshine wearing black clothes.

Choral alumni receive new academic appointments

September 25, 2024

USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music program alumni Maura Tuffy (‘19), Duncan Tuomi (MM ’22) and Clara Valenzuela (’20) have received new academic appointments for the 2024-2025 school year. Tuffy was appointed to the adjunct faculty at Fullerton College where she will conduct the Treble Chorale, and teach Beginning Voice and Intro to Musicianship. Tuomi… Continue reading Choral alumni receive new academic appointments


Composer Katya Richardson holding a potted plant

Katya Richardson conducts her score from “The Last Repair Shop” in Union Station concert

September 23, 2024

USC Thornton Composition program alumna Katya Richardson (’19) conducted her score and Kris Bowers’ themes from The Last Repair Shop in a concert held at Union Station on September 7. Richardson led an ensemble of musicians who also performed on the original documentary soundtrack. Hosted my Metro Art Los Angeles, the community concert included a… Continue reading Katya Richardson conducts her score from “The Last Repair Shop” in Union Station concert


Composer Juan Pablo Contreras standing at a conductor's podium dressed in a concert suit.

LA Phil performs Juan Pablo Contreras’ “Mariachitlán” at the Hollywood Bowl

July 24, 2024

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


Photo of Nina Shekhar standing outside in sunlight.

New York Philharmonic performs Nina Shekhar’s “Lumina” in China

July 3, 2024

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”

June 17, 2024

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”


Painting of a mountainous landscape in blue and orange colors.

Patrick O’Malley releases debut orchestral album “The Horizons” with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

June 7, 2024

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


A performer wearing a black and white outfit sings on stage.

Composer Anuj Bhutani collaborates with Khemia Ensemble on new work

May 21, 2024

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


Photo of Nina Shekhar standing outside in sunlight.

Composer Nina Shekhar to present world premiere of “Glitter Monster” with LACO

May 15, 2024

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