Ted Hearne’s oratorio, “The Source,” to be staged in L.A. and S.F. next season
“The Source,” a strikingly contemporary oratorio by Ted Hearne, of the USC Thornton Composition faculty, will receive its west coast premiere in October of 2016 as part of LA Opera’s Off Grand performance initiative. The production, which will be staged at REDCAT, is part of an ongoing collaboration with Beth Morrison Projects to present experimental… Continue reading Ted Hearne’s oratorio, “The Source,” to be staged in L.A. and S.F. next season
Oscar nominations for Thomas Newman and John Williams
Two members of the USC Thornton family have received Academy Award nominations in the category of “Best Music – Original Score.” Composer and Board of Councilors member Thomas Newman received his nomination for the score to “Bridge of Spies.” In the same category, Thornton collaborator and honorary alumnus John Williams was nominated for “Star Wars:… Continue reading Oscar nominations for Thomas Newman and John Williams
Composer alumnus Tristan Koester finds success with commissions
Composer and Thornton alumnus Tristan Xavier Koester (’15) recently premiered a piece entitled “Memory Fragments” with the Varied Trio, a chamber ensemble featuring Thornton alumni Yuri Inoo (MM ’04, DMA ’09, percussion) and Aron Kallay (DMA ’09, piano). His upcoming work includes recording projects with the trio, as well as traditional Chinese guzheng player Sun… Continue reading Composer alumnus Tristan Koester finds success with commissions
Composer Mark Weiser’s opera named year’s top operatic event
“Where Angels Fear to Tread,” an opera by composer and USC Thornton Composition faculty member Mark Weiser, was named the top operatic event for 2015 by the San Francisco Chronicle (paywall). Premiered in February of 2015 by Opera San Jose, the opera is based on the novel by E.M. Forster and features a libretto by… Continue reading Composer Mark Weiser’s opera named year’s top operatic event
Julia Adolphe to receive Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award
Julia Adolphe, a doctoral candidate in the USC Thornton Composition program, is one of 12 young artists to receive the 2016 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award, which allows each of the organizations on the New York City cultural campus to celebrate a rising star in the performing arts. Selected for distinction by the New York… Continue reading Julia Adolphe to receive Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award
Julia Adolphe & USC Thornton’s New Music for Orchestra Program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_654i2XWK8
Rave reviews for Andrew Norman’s “Split” with Jeffrey Kahane and the N.Y. Philharmonic
“Can the young American composer Andrew Norman keep this up?,” is the question posed by the New York Times in its fervent review of Norman’s new work, “Split,” which he premiered with pianist Jeffrey Kahane, maestro James Gaffigan, and the New York Philharmonic on December 10. Norman, whose previous orchestral work, “Play,” is currently nominated for… Continue reading Rave reviews for Andrew Norman’s “Split” with Jeffrey Kahane and the N.Y. Philharmonic
USC Thornton ranks high on Hollywood Reporter’s list of top music schools
The Hollywood Reporter recently profiled USC Thornton on its list of the “Top 25 Music Schools of 2015,” ranking the school at number three. The profile noted that Thornton’s proximity to Los Angeles’ film and music industries fosters unparalleled opportunities for graduates of the school’s Contemporary Music Division, particularly in programs such as Music Industry,… Continue reading USC Thornton ranks high on Hollywood Reporter’s list of top music schools
Composer and alumnus Alan Chan awarded George Duke Commissioning Prize
USC Thornton Composition alumnus Alan Chan (DMA ’08) was selected as the recipient of George Duke Commissioning Prize, co-created by the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra and The ASCAP Foundation to honor the trailblazing musician, George Duke. Alan Chan’s music has been recognized with awards and fellowships from the American Composers Forum, New Music USA, and the… Continue reading Composer and alumnus Alan Chan awarded George Duke Commissioning Prize
Composition students and alums win orchestral competitions
USC Thornton Composition students and alumni continue to garner accolades. Two major Midwestern orchestras will feature compositions by USC students and alumni. “Even in Paradise,” by Patrick O’Malley (MM ’15, DMA candidate), and “Kaman Fantasy,” by Saad Haddad (BM, ’14), will be performed as part of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s Earshot program, under the baton… Continue reading Composition students and alums win orchestral competitions