Ted Hearne earns praise for new choral work
Ted Hearne, a composer and USC Thornton Composition program faculty member, earned praise from The New York Times and NPR for his new choral work, Farming. The piece premiered on June 22 on a Pennsylvania farm and was performed by The Crossing. Featuring 24 vocalists as well as guitars, percussions and electronics, Farming grapples with… Continue reading Ted Hearne earns praise for new choral work
The New York Times highlights Isaac Io Schankler’s work with A.I.
On June 10, The New York Times highlighted USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Isaac Io Schankler (DMA ’10) in an article about recent developments in artificial intelligence and classical music. Schankler, a composer and music professor at Cal Poly Pomona, used Realtime Audio Variational autoEncoder (R.A.V.E) onstage during Jen Wang’s performance of Alvin Lucier’s “The… Continue reading The New York Times highlights Isaac Io Schankler’s work with A.I.
Camae Ayewa named International Artist of the Year in 2023 German Jazz Prize
USC Thornton composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa, also known as Moor Mother, was named International Artist of the Year in the 2023 German Jazz Prize. The musician, composer, poet, visual artist and curator will receive a trophy and €10,000 prize. Launched by Germany’s former Minister of State for Culture Monika Grütters, the German Jazz… Continue reading Camae Ayewa named International Artist of the Year in 2023 German Jazz Prize
Theodore Strich wins first prize at 2023 Sinta Quartet National Composition Competition
USC Thornton Composition program student Theodore Strich won first prize at the 2023 Sinta Quartet National Composition Competition with his piece, “The Mind.” As one of the two first prize winners, Strich will receive $500 and have his piece premiered by the Sinta Quartet in August 2023.
Nina Young and Nina Shekhar to premiere works in LACO’s 2023-2024 season
USC Thornton Composition faculty member Nina Young and Composition alumna Nina Shekhar (MM ‘20) will premiere new works in Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s 2023-2024 season, announced by San Francisco Classical Voice on May 1. “Traces,” composed by Young, will be performed by violinist Jennifer Koh and LACO on November 11 and 12 at the California… Continue reading Nina Young and Nina Shekhar to premiere works in LACO’s 2023-2024 season
P. Mauriat releases Derek Brown signature saxophone
Derek Brown, a doctoral candidate in the USC Thornton composition program, has partnered with the saxophone company P. Mauriat to release a signature saxophone called the “System 76 Derek Brown BEATBoX SAX.” The custom saxophone, incorporating over a dozen of Brown’s modifications, was debuted at the 2023 NAMM show on April 13-15. Visit P. Mauriat’s… Continue reading P. Mauriat releases Derek Brown signature saxophone
Veronika Krausas curated music playlist for FORT: LA
Veronika Krausas, a USC Thornton Composition department faculty member, curated a music playlist featured in the Friends of Residential Treasures: Los Angeles newsletter for the historic Rodriguez House, designed by master architect R. M. Schindler. FORT: LA’s mission is to showcase the city’s residential treasures with the guidance of expert curators.
Tyler Eschendal releases music video series “ACTIONS”
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Tyler Eschendal (MM ’18) released the music video series ACTIONS on May 15. The series is split into five movements (ARGUING, ACTING, SINGING, ORDERING, EXPLAINING) in which Eschendal confronts and explores the musicality of stuttering through percussion performances, theatrical monologues and songs.
Michael Abels wins 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Music
Michael Abels (’84), an acclaimed composer and USC Thornton Composition program alumnus, has won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Music for the opera Omar. Co-composed by Rhiannon Giddens, Omar is a musical work that tells the story of enslaved people brought to North America from Muslim countries. The opera premiered on May 27 at the… Continue reading Michael Abels wins 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Music
2022-2023 Year in Review
Looking back on a remarkable year at USC Thornton.