Composition alum Roger Zare wins first prize for orchestral work
USC Thornton Composition alumnus Roger Zare (BM ’07) won first prize at the 3rd Senzoku Contemporary Composition Competition for his orchestral composition, Tectonics. The competition was hosted by the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Tokyo, Japan and Zare’s work was performed by the Senzoku New Philharmonic Orchestra.
Morten Lauridsen artist-in-residence at Arcosanti urban laboratory
Morten Lauridsen, Distinguished Professor of Composition at USC Thornton and National Medal of Arts winner, was the artist-in-residence at the Arcosanti urban laboratory in rural Arizona from Sep. 14-19. The residency culminated in a concert celebrating Lauridsen’s choral works, including his beloved “Lux Aeterna,” featuring Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix, the NAU Shrine of the… Continue reading Morten Lauridsen artist-in-residence at Arcosanti urban laboratory
Michael Lee receives commission from New York Virtuoso Singers
Composer and USC Thornton Composition doctoral candidate Michael Lee has received a commission from the New York Virtuoso Singers to compose a work, which will be premiered in New York City this fall. The ensemble is regarded as the nation’s “leading exponent of contemporary choral music.” Lee’s works music have previously been performed by the… Continue reading Michael Lee receives commission from New York Virtuoso Singers
HOCKET new music ensemble makes waves at Carlsbad Music Festival
The new music duo, HOCKET, which includes current USC Thornton D.M.A. Composition student, Thomas Kotcheff (M.M. ’12, composition) and Composition faculty member Sarah Gibson (M.M. ’10, composition; D.M.A. ’15, composition), recently performed in a series of concerts at the Carlsbad Music Festival. The duo performed compositions by David Lang, Alex Weiser, Aaron Holloway-Nahum, and Tristan… Continue reading HOCKET new music ensemble makes waves at Carlsbad Music Festival
Alumni and faculty receive EMMY nominations for outstanding film scoring
USC Thornton alumni and faculty have been honored with EMMY Award nominations. Duncan Thum (BA ’06, Guitar, GCRT ’13, SMPTV) has been nominated for Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score) for the documentary series “Chef’s Table.” Several other alumni, including composers Tyler Sabbag (BS ’05, Jazz Studies) and Steve Gernes (GCRT ’13,… Continue reading Alumni and faculty receive EMMY nominations for outstanding film scoring
Music & Beyond Festival pays tribute to Morten Lauridsen
On July 12, the Music & Beyond Festival of Ottawa, Canada, held a concert celebrating the choral works of USC Thornton Distinguished Professor of Composition, Morten Lauridsen. Lauridsen accompanied singers from 10 regional choirs in performances of his O Magnum Mysterium, Sure on this Shining Night, Lux Aeterna and Dirait-on, under the batons of conductors… Continue reading Music & Beyond Festival pays tribute to Morten Lauridsen
Work by alumnus Jules Pegram featured in Underwood New Music concert
USC Thornton alumnus and Outstanding Graduate Jules Pegram (BM ’13, composition) was one of seven composers selected by the American Composers Orchestra for its annual Underwood New Music Readings concert in New York City. His orchestral piece, Shadows of the Studio, is a “musical tribute to the glory days of Hollywood’s ‘studio system.’” In an… Continue reading Work by alumnus Jules Pegram featured in Underwood New Music concert
CD of works by Donald Crockett produced by Boston Modern Orchestra Project
The Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) has released a new CD of music by Donald Crockett, chair of the USC Thornton Composition program. “Blue Earth” features several works by Crockett, including a Viola Concerto with soloist Kate Vincent and the orchestral “Blue Earth,” conducted by BMOP Artistic Director Gil Rose. Recording of the CD was made… Continue reading CD of works by Donald Crockett produced by Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Composition students shine with prizes and premieres
In recent weeks, USC Thornton students – from undergraduate to doctoral – have found success with composition awards and premieres. Thomas Kotcheff (MM ’12, composition), currently a doctoral candidate, received a BMI Student Composer Award on May 18 in New York City for his octet, entitled that in shadow or moonlight rises. In addition to… Continue reading Composition students shine with prizes and premieres
Composer Ted Hearne premieres new work with LA Chamber Orchestra
Composer Ted Hearne, who joined the USC Thornton Composition faculty in 2014, premiered a new work with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra on May 17, closing the ensemble’s 2014-2015 season. Hearne’s piece, “respirator,” evoked his struggles with childhood asthma through percussive and experimental sounds created by the orchestra. In a review of “respirator” for the… Continue reading Composer Ted Hearne premieres new work with LA Chamber Orchestra