
Alan Smith premieres composition with Boston Symphony Orchestra
Alan Smith, chair of Keyboard Studies and director of the USC Thornton Keyboard Collaborative Arts program, recently premiered a new composition with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). “I’m Memorizing You,” a work for baritone, cello and piano, was commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the Tanglewood Music Center, the BSO’s summer performance venue, and premiered… Continue reading Alan Smith premieres composition with Boston Symphony Orchestra

Keyboard Collaborative Arts alum Jessica Hall takes on coaching role with Minnesota Opera
Jessica Hall (MM ’09, GCRT ’11, DMA ’14, Keyboard Collaborative Arts), a graduate of the USC Thornton Keyboard Collaborative Arts program, will serve as Minnesota Opera’s Resident Artist pianist and coach for the 2015-16 season. The highly competitive Resident Artist Program is a professional training ground for exceptional artists and musicians. Hall previously worked as… Continue reading Keyboard Collaborative Arts alum Jessica Hall takes on coaching role with Minnesota Opera

Alan Smith’s concert piece highlighed in Opera News
Alan Smith, chair of Keyboard Studies and director of Keyboard Collaborative Arts, was praised in a recent edition of Opera News for his “stunning concert piece Daniel Boone Sings to the Night Sky.” The article raved that American baritone Matthew Worth’s “rich, warm sound was heard to best advantage” in Smith’s piece.

Aram Arakelyan accepted into the Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar
USC Thornton DMA student Aram Arakelyan was accepted into the Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar this summer in Potsdam, New York. Through a nation-wide audition process, Arakelyan was one of only six singers and three pianists selected for the program. The one-week intensive seminar aims to teach artist-level performers how to pursue the artistry of… Continue reading Aram Arakelyan accepted into the Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar

Aron Kallay receives glowing review in the Los Angeles Times
USC Thornton faculty and alum Aron Kallay (DMA ’09) received a glowing review in the Los Angeles Times for his premiere Piano Spheres recital on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The late Leonard Stein formed Piano Spheres in 1994 to showcase new music, and Kallay’s recital was the second in a satellite series this season at REDCAT… Continue reading Aron Kallay receives glowing review in the Los Angeles Times

Kevin Fitz-Gerald
Pianist Kevin Fitz-Gerald enjoys a versatile performing career as recitalist, orchestra soloist and chamber musician. His performances have garnered international acclaim and he has been recognized for his “hypnotically powerful and precise” pianism and “dynamic and distinguished” interpretations. His concert tours and performances have taken place in major concert halls, universities and concert organizations throughout… Continue reading Kevin Fitz-Gerald