Watch Will Kennedy perform in Zildjian LIVE! video series
Will Kennedy, drummer and Popular Music program faculty member, was recently featured in an episode of Zildjian LIVE! performing his song “6 4 U” with band Ghost-Note. Kennedy invited USC Thornton drum students to attend the live taping to see his performance and get a behind the scenes look at the production. The song will… Continue reading Watch Will Kennedy perform in Zildjian LIVE! video series
Ken Cazan directs largest opera in history of Central City Opera House
Last month, Ken Cazan, the Resident Stage Director of the USC Thornton Opera, directed the Central City Opera’s Colorado debut of Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd. CBS Denver featured a story of the performance, which with its 60 performers was the biggest show in the 140-year history of the Central City Opera House. “It’s more thrilling… Continue reading Ken Cazan directs largest opera in history of Central City Opera House
USC Thornton community honors Alice Schoenfeld
On Sunday, July 28, the USC Thornton community celebrated the life of acclaimed violinist, teacher and philanthropist Alice Schoenfeld, Emerita Professor of Violin at USC Thornton, who died last May. Of those in attendance, over 50 were former students of Alice or her sister Eleanor Schoenfeld, who was also a longtime USC Thornton professor of… Continue reading USC Thornton community honors Alice Schoenfeld
Morten Lauridsen nominated for an Opus Klassik Award
Morten Lauridsen, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Composition at USC Thornton, recently received a nomination in the Best Choral Recording category of the 2019 Opus Klassik Awards, Germany’s premier classical awards, for “Light Eternal – The Choral Music of Morten Lauridsen.” The recording, which was conducted by Nicol Matt and performed by the Chamber Choir of… Continue reading Morten Lauridsen nominated for an Opus Klassik Award
Ron McCurdy publishes essay in Wall Street Journal
USC Thornton Professor of Jazz Studies Ron McCurdy recently penned a fantastic essay on his father, Charles M. McCurdy, in the Wall Street Journal. Charles M. McCurdy was the principal of a mostly black high school in the rural town of Belle Glade, Florida for 15 years in the 1950s and 1960s. Although it was… Continue reading Ron McCurdy publishes essay in Wall Street Journal
Jeffrey Kahane earns glowing review
Jeffrey Kahane, a USC Thornton professor of Keyboard Studies, earned a glowing review from the Shepherd Express for his guest conducting performance with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, during with he also played a piano concerto. “Kahane moved seamlessly in his two roles,” said the article. “The music came forth with lively, in-the-moment presence. I think… Continue reading Jeffrey Kahane earns glowing review
Thornton alumni and faculty recognized by BMI at annual awards
At the 35th annual BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Awards, USC Thornton alumni and faculty were recognized as top performing composers. Ludwig Göransson (GC ’08) added to his long list of 2019 awards, which includes three GRAMMYs and an Oscar, and won an award for Venom and Creed II. Additionally, in the BMI Cable… Continue reading Thornton alumni and faculty recognized by BMI at annual awards
Veronika Krausas earns praise for new opera
Veronika Krausas, a USC Thornton Composition faculty member, debuted her newest opera to rave reviews last month. Ghost Opera, which premiered at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, earned positive press from the Calgary Herald and CBC. The Calgary Herald praised Krausas while describing the show as “visually opulent” and “theatrically mesmerizing.” “Krausas has… Continue reading Veronika Krausas earns praise for new opera
Nick Strimple releases new composition as part of NCCO Choral Series
Nick Strimple, Professor of Choral and Sacred Music at USC Thornton, recently released his new Christmas-Sacred choral composition, “Verbum caro factum est,” for unaccompanied SATB as part of the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO). Strimple wrote this Christmas motet, the Responsory to the eighth Lesson of Second Vespers on Christmas, in honor of the Reverand… Continue reading Nick Strimple releases new composition as part of NCCO Choral Series
Remembering Alice Schoenfeld
USC Thornton mourns the loss of beloved violin professor Alice Schoenfeld, who, along with her sister Elenore, leaves a lasting legacy at USC.