Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers performs Morten Lauridsen arrangement
International violinist Anne Akiko Meyers recently performed a violin arrangement of O Magnum Mysterium, a popular choral work by composer and USC Thornton faculty member Morten Lauridsen (’66, MA’68, DMA’74). Arranged especially for her, Meyers presented the work in recitals in New York City and Washington, D.C., last month. During her tour, Meyers visited the… Continue reading Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers performs Morten Lauridsen arrangement
Composer Ted Hearne mixes music and politics
Composer and USC Thornton faculty member Ted Hearne recently released a new album, Sound from the Bench. The politically-charged album features the Philadelphia-based Crossing Choir, conducted by Donald Nally, performing four of Hearne’s works with guitarists Taylor Levine and James Moore and drummer Ron Wiltrout. Sound from the Bench explores subjects including the Iraq War,… Continue reading Composer Ted Hearne mixes music and politics
Donald Crockett, Thornton alumni featured at Caramoor
USC Thornton Composition chair Donald Crockett (MM ’76) recently visited the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah, New York, where the Argus Quartet is preparing his commissioned string quartet for its July premiere. Thornton alumni and faculty feature prominently throughout the Center’s spring and summer seasons. The Los Angeles-based Argus Quartet, which… Continue reading Donald Crockett, Thornton alumni featured at Caramoor
Jeffrey Kahane profiled in the Wall Street Journal
USC Thornton faculty member Jeffrey Kahane was profiled in the April 17 issue of the Wall Street Journal about his 20 years as music director of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO). In May, at the conclusion of the orchestra’s 2016-17 season, Kahane will retire from LACO to teach in Thornton’s Keyboard Studies program full time.… Continue reading Jeffrey Kahane profiled in the Wall Street Journal
Kenneth Cazan directs “Frau Schindler” opera in Munich
USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera chair Kenneth Cazan is currently in Munich to stage direct the opera Frau Schindler, which premieres this coming March. The opera, which received a concert reading at USC Thornton last year, follows the life of Emilie Schindler, wife of the well known Oskar, and explores her contributions during the… Continue reading Kenneth Cazan directs “Frau Schindler” opera in Munich
Faculty and students honored at the 2016 ASCAP Foundation Awards
Last month, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) awarded several USC Thornton faculty, students, and alumni at the 2016 ASCAP Foundation Honors event in New York City. Distinguished Professor of Composition Morten Lauridsen was presented with the Life in Music Award. Thornton Composition alumnus Daniel Allas (’15) and graduate students Tommy Dougherty,… Continue reading Faculty and students honored at the 2016 ASCAP Foundation Awards
Scott Tennant named to list of “Top 10 Music Professors Who Inspire Us”
College Magazine has named USC Thornton faculty member Scott Tennant as one of its “Top 10 Music Professors Who Inspire Us.” The GRAMMY Award-winning classical guitarist and founding member of the the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet was recognized for his uncompromising work ethic. “His professionalism is on a whole different level,” noted Classical Guitar student… Continue reading Scott Tennant named to list of “Top 10 Music Professors Who Inspire Us”
David Allen Moore featured on “Contrabass Conversations” podcast
Bassist and USC Thornton Strings faculty member David Allen Moore was recently featured on the Contrabass Conversations podcast, hosted by musician Jason Heath. Moore was a guest on the podcast in 2009 and returned to the series by popular demand. Heath led Moore in a conversation about the creative process of practicing, reveling in successes,… Continue reading David Allen Moore featured on “Contrabass Conversations” podcast
Midori Goto leads string quartet outreach tour to Nepal
Throughout the latter half of December, Midori Goto, Jascha Heifetz Chair in Violin at USC Thornton, will be bringing the gift of music to the people of Nepal. Touring the country as part of the International Community Engagement Program (ICEP), an offshoot of Midori’s nonprofit MUSIC SHARING organization, the violinist will lead a string quartet… Continue reading Midori Goto leads string quartet outreach tour to Nepal
Bill Biersach receives award for SH[eye]N band
Faculty member Bill Biersach of the USC Thornton Composition department has received a Silver Medal from the Global Music Awards for his improvisational jam band, SH[eye]N. The band, which includes Biersach on Chapman Stick and Ralph Loynachan on percussion, won distinction for “virtuosic improvisation, album and creativity/originality” for its recent album, “Opus 10: Big Percolator.”