Haleigh Bowers
Haleigh Bowers is a Los Angeles–based songwriter, performer and educator whose creative work pushes the boundaries of each of her disciplines. Known for her evocative melodies and compelling lyrical narratives, Bowers draws inspiration from both literature and music to craft songs that resonate with diverse audiences. She has performed at renowned venues across the country and… Continue reading Haleigh Bowers
Natasha Pasternak
Natasha Pasternak is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, arts educator and professor originally from Toronto, Canada. Classically trained in acting, voice, musical theatre and dance at Randolph College for the Performing Arts, she launched her solo music career under her own name, producing her debut EP alongside Chris Koster (The Glorious Sons) at The Tragically… Continue reading Natasha Pasternak
SAKURA Cello Quintet debuts Donald Crockett’s “Carving an Alphabet”
On May 18, the SAKURA Cello Quintet gave the debut performance of Carving an Alphabet, a set of 12 madrigals for five cellos, written by USC Thornton Chair of Composition Donald Crockett for New Music USA. The SAKURA Cello Quintet consists of Thornton alumni Stella Cho (’12, MM ’14, DMA ’22), Michael Kaufman (MM ’12,… Continue reading SAKURA Cello Quintet debuts Donald Crockett’s “Carving an Alphabet”
William J. Coppola published “Egotism, Elitism, and the Ethics of Musical Humility” with Oxford University Press
William J. Coppola, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Music Teaching and Learning department, published his book Egotism, Elitism, and the Ethics of Musical Humility with Oxford University Press. Blending philosophy, empirical research and pop culture references, the book examines how striving for individual achievement can lead us to grow disconnected from one another—and… Continue reading William J. Coppola published “Egotism, Elitism, and the Ethics of Musical Humility” with Oxford University Press
Joseph Pereira premieres “Naru” with the Los Angeles Philharmonic
USC Thornton Director of Percussion Studies Joseph Pereira premiered his new concerto, Naru, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on May 29. Naru is an LA Phil-commissioned work Pereira composed for prinicipal percussionist Matthew Howard. It draws on the Japanese word for “becoming” and the idea that everything is continuously evolving. Conducted by Gustavo Gimeno, the… Continue reading Joseph Pereira premieres “Naru” with the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Christian Amonson records “Spem in Alium: A Choral Adoration” by Christ Cathedral Music
USC Thornton Music Technology faculty member Christian Amonson was the recording engineer for the album, Spem in Alium: A Choral Adoration, by the music ministry of Christ Cathedral in Orange County. It is the first-ever choral recording in the cathedral sanctuary that showcases various singers from 30 parishes throughout the Diocese of Orange. The new… Continue reading Christian Amonson records “Spem in Alium: A Choral Adoration” by Christ Cathedral Music
Kevin Randolph
Kevin Randolph is a distinguished music producer, composer and keyboard virtuoso whose dynamic career spans iconic film scores, chart-topping albums and performances alongside legendary artists. With notable contributions to major films like Dreamgirls, Kung Fu Panda, Pitch Perfect, Sing 1 and 2 and The Help, as well as the acclaimed TV show Star. Randolph has… Continue reading Kevin Randolph
Mark Batson
Mark Batson is a classically trained pianist, award-winning music producer and visionary composer whose contributions have helped sell over 130 million albums worldwide across pop, hip hop, R&B, rock, jazz and classical music. His work has shaped the sound of some of the most influential artists in modern music, including Eminem, Beyoncé, Nas, Alicia Keys, Anthony… Continue reading Mark Batson
Andrew Shulman to teach masterclasses and perform in concerts around the UK and Ireland
USC Thornton Strings department faculty member Andrew Shulman will be teaching masterclasses and performing in concerts in the United Kingdom and Ireland in May. The masterclasses will take place at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin on May 12, the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on May 14, the Royal College… Continue reading Andrew Shulman to teach masterclasses and perform in concerts around the UK and Ireland
Troy Quinn to conduct Nas with the Boston Pops
Troy Quinn, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Conducting program, will lead a Boston Pops program featuring rapper Nas on June 27 at Tanglewood. The concert is part of Tanglewood’s Popular Artist Series. Quinn made his Boston Symphony Orchestra debut at their New Year’s Eve celebration. *** Photo courtesy of USC Thornton.