In Memoriam: Daniel Lewis, longtime leader of the USC Thornton Symphony
Daniel Lewis, Emeritus Professor of the USC Thornton School of Music, longtime conductor of the USC Thornton Symphony and former director of Conducting Studies, has recently passed away. He was 92. Lewis was raised in the La Mesa/San Diego area. While stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii during his stint in the U.S. Navy in World War… Continue reading In Memoriam: Daniel Lewis, longtime leader of the USC Thornton Symphony
Kristof Van Grysperre conducts New York City Opera production of “Fallujah”
Kristof Van Grysperre (MM ’02, Conducting, DMA ’05, Keyboard Collaborative Arts) made his New York City Opera debut conducting the November production of Fallujah, an opera by composer Tobin Stokes inspired by a U.S. Marine’s struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder after a tour of duty in Iraq. Van Grysperre also conducted the opera’s world premiere… Continue reading Kristof Van Grysperre conducts New York City Opera production of “Fallujah”
Alumnus Olivier Ochanine wins international conducting competiton
Conductor Olivier Ochanine (MM ’07, conducting), USC Thornton alumnus and music director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, has received first prize at the 2015 Antal Doráti International Conducting Competition in Budapest. The prestigious competition, created in honor of the Hungarian-born conductor and composer who became an American citizen in 1947, was held in collaboration with… Continue reading Alumnus Olivier Ochanine wins international conducting competiton
Choral alum Robert P.D. Duff to direct Brandeis University program
USC Thornton Choral Music alumnus Robert P.D. Duff (DMA ’00) has been appointed to Brandeis University as Choral Conductor, where he will lead two choral ensembles, teach conducting and oversee their vocal program. He will continue as Artistic and Musical Director at the Handel Society at Dartmouth. Duff formerly served as Director of Music for… Continue reading Choral alum Robert P.D. Duff to direct Brandeis University program
Masters student Yoona Jeong to participate in conducting masterclass
USC Thornton Choral Music masters candidate Yoona Jeong was selected to participate in the 2015 Princeton Festival Conducting Masterclass in New Jersey this June. The eight-day masterclass, led by Dr. Jan Harrington, will focus on rehearsal technique and participants will lead daily rehearsals with chamber and choral ensembles.
Alumnus Dominic Gregorio recognized with teaching award
USC Thornton Choral Music alumnus Dominic Gregorio (DMA ’12), currently an Assistant Professor with the University of Regina Music Department, has received the university’s New Faculty Teaching Award of Recognition, which acknowledges “significant teaching excellence, growth, and development for new faculty members.” While at USC, he served as conductor with the USC Thornton Opera, USC… Continue reading Alumnus Dominic Gregorio recognized with teaching award
Jong-In Kim joins Incheon City Chorale as Assistant Conductor
USC Thornton alumnus Jong-In Kim (DMA ’11) has been named Assistant Conductor of Korea’s most prestigious professional choir, the Incheon City Chorale. In this role, he will function as an interim conductor during the choir’s search for a new Artistic Director. Mr. Kim has served as Assistant Conductor with both CALA (Choral Alchemy of Los… Continue reading Jong-In Kim joins Incheon City Chorale as Assistant Conductor
Tram Sparks
Tram Sparks (she/her) is a Professor of Practice at the USC Thornton School of Music. Prior to her work in Los Angeles, Sparks was Associate Professor and Associate Director of Choral Activities at Temple University Boyer College of Music & Dance, where she taught from 1999-2009. Dr. Sparks taught graduate and undergraduate courses in choral… Continue reading Tram Sparks
Cristian Grases
Cristian Grases joined the USC Thornton faculty in the Fall 2010 semester and is currently an associate professor of choral music and conductor of the USC Thornton Concert Choir. Born in Venezuela, he earned degrees from the Simón Bolívar University (MM) in Caracas, Venezuela, and the University of Miami (DMA). He has previously served as interim director… Continue reading Cristian Grases
Larry J. Livingston
Larry Livingston is a distinguished conductor, educator, and administrator, and a highly respected motivational speaker. The founding Music Director of the Illinois Chamber Orchestra, Livingston has appeared with the Houston Symphony and in the Los Angeles Philharmonic Green Umbrella Series. He has conducted at the Festival de Musique in Evian, France, and has led the… Continue reading Larry J. Livingston