Ted Hearne premieres new work with Michael Tilson Thomas and the National Youth Symphony
On Thursday, July 19th, the National Youth Orchestra of the USA will premiere a new work by composer and USC Thornton faculty member Ted Hearne, under the baton of alumnus Michael Tilson Thomas (BM ’67, MM ’76), a Judge Widney Professor of Music at USC. Hearne’s Brass Tacks was commissioned by Carnegie Hall, where the… Continue reading Ted Hearne premieres new work with Michael Tilson Thomas and the National Youth Symphony
Michael Lee premieres chamber work with New Orleans Chamber Orchestra
In June, composer and USC Thornton alumnus Michael Lee’s (DMA ’17) chamber work for strings and piano, Echoes for Strings and Piano, received its world premiere at the Marigny Opera House by the New Orleans Chamber Orchestra. Lee was the winner of the ensemble’s Spectri Sonori Composition Competition. Lee’s 2015 work for classical guitar, Unmasked,… Continue reading Michael Lee premieres chamber work with New Orleans Chamber Orchestra
Sarah Gibson receives LACO Sound Investment commission
Sarah Gibson (MM ’10, DMA ’15), a USC Thornton alumna and a member of the school’s Composition faculty, has been selected as Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s Sound Investment composer for the 2018-19 season. Previous recipients of Sound Investment commissions include Ted Hearne, Matthew Aucoin, Ellen Reid, and Andrew Norman, now LACO’s creative advisor & composer-in-residence.… Continue reading Sarah Gibson receives LACO Sound Investment commission
Los Angeles premiere of Mark Weiser opera at Art Share L.A.
The Place Where You Started, a chamber opera by USC Thornton Composition faculty member Mark Weiser with a libretto by Amy S. Punt, will be performed in collaboration with the Helix Collective, May 17-19 at Art Share L.A. The multimedia work, Weiser’s fourth opera, explores tensions around race and class. His previous opera, Where Angels… Continue reading Los Angeles premiere of Mark Weiser opera at Art Share L.A.
American Composers Orchestra to perform work by Ryan Lindveit
USC Thornton alumnus Ryan Lindveit (BM ’16) is one of six emerging composers whose works will be performed by the American Composers Orchestra (ACO) during the organization’s Underwood New Music Readings on June 21st and 22nd in New York City. Lindveit, who was USC’s Salutatorian and a Thornton Outstanding Graduate in 2016, will present his… Continue reading American Composers Orchestra to perform work by Ryan Lindveit
Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra to premiere concerto by Donald Crockett
The Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, which was founded by clarinetist and USC Thornton alumnus Benjamin Mitchell (GCRT ’17, arts leadership), will present the world premiere of a commission by Composition chair Donald Crockett on May 12th and 13th, 2018. The new concerto for grand piano, two toy pianos, and chamber orchestra, And the River, will be… Continue reading Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra to premiere concerto by Donald Crockett
Morten Lauridsen to receive honorary degree from Muhlenberg College
This spring, composer, USC Thornton faculty member, and National Medal of Arts recipient Morten Lauridsen will receive an honorary doctorate from Pennsylvania’s Muhlenberg College. He has previously earned honorary degrees from Whitman College, Oklahoma State University, Westminster Choir College, and King’s College at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. At the May 18th ceremony in Allentown,… Continue reading Morten Lauridsen to receive honorary degree from Muhlenberg College
Ted Hearne a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Music
Composer and USC Thornton faculty member Ted Hearne was selected as a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Music. His politically-charged album, Sound from the Bench (Cantaloupe Music), was recorded with the Philadelphia-based Crossing Choir and explores subjects including the Iraq War, white privilege, and the Supreme Court’s “Citizen’s United” decision. In a review… Continue reading Ted Hearne a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Music
Ted Hearne brings “Katrina Ballads” to Australia
The Australian publication Broadsheet recently profiled Katrina Ballads by composer and USC Thornton faculty member Ted Hearne, ahead of the work’s performance debut as part of the 2018 Perth Festival. Hearne’s series of ballads explores the social and physical destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina, primarily in the aftermath of government inaction that contributed to a… Continue reading Ted Hearne brings “Katrina Ballads” to Australia
Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra hosts competition for new works
The Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, which was founded by clarinetist and USC Thornton alumnus Benjamin Mitchell (GCRT ’17, arts leadership), has announced a competition for instrumental and vocal works to be performed during the ensemble’s 2018-19 season. The orchestra has emerged as a powerhouse for new music in Los Angeles, premiering works by 18 composers in… Continue reading Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra hosts competition for new works