Jeffrey Kahane featured on Gabriel Kahane’s upcoming album, “Heirloom”
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty member Jeffrey Kahane is featured on Gabriel Kahane’s upcoming album, Heirloom, due October 10 via Nonesuch. The album includes a concerto for piano and chamber orchestra of the same name, written for conductor and pianist Jeffrey Kahane. Listen to the first movement of the concerto, “Guitars in the Attic,” here.… Continue reading Jeffrey Kahane featured on Gabriel Kahane’s upcoming album, “Heirloom”
In Memoriam: John Perry
John Perry, former USC Thornton Professor Emeritus of Piano, has died at age 90. A distinguished artist and teacher, Perry taught at the USC Thornton School of Music for 37 years. Perry enjoyed an illustrious career as a pianist, performing extensively throughout Europe and North America to great critical acclaim. He was also a respected… Continue reading In Memoriam: John Perry
Rixiang Huang releases new solo album of Scarlatti sonatas
Pianist and USC Thornton Keyboard Studies alumnus Rixiang Huang (DMA ’23) recently released his fourth solo album, Scarlatti: Complete Keyboard Sonatas, Vol. 30, via Naxos Records. The album features 17 sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, presenting a range of expressive and stylistic contrasts. “This recording represents a deeply personal milestone in my artistic journey, and I’m… Continue reading Rixiang Huang releases new solo album of Scarlatti sonatas
Pianist Esther Lee makes Carnegie Hall debut
On March 16, USC Thornton Keyboard Studies alumna Esther Lee (GCRT ’15, DMA ’19) made her Carnegie Hall debut as a pianist for the world premiere of Elliott Bark’s Mercy for Violin, Cello, Piano and Orchestra, presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York. Entitled “A Vision of Light,” the concert showcased choral and orchestral works… Continue reading Pianist Esther Lee makes Carnegie Hall debut
Amanda Nova plays with Yo-Yo Ma at fundraiser celebration for LAUSD instrument repair program
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies program student Amanda Nova played with cellist Yo-Yo Ma at a fundraiser event on April 6, celebrating a $1 million gift to “The Last Repair Shop” campaign. Donations to the fundraiser will help safeguard the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) program providing 130,000 free, repaired instruments for students. A Fairfax… Continue reading Amanda Nova plays with Yo-Yo Ma at fundraiser celebration for LAUSD instrument repair program
Julian Jaeyoung Kim to perform Beethoven in European tour
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies alumnus Julian Jaeyoung Kim (DMA ‘24) will embark on a European tour this spring, performing a concert series of all-Beethoven programs. Represented by Tilmann Artist Management, he begins his tour on April 21 in Basel, Switzerland. Kim was named a Bechstein Artist and released a CD album, Brahms Resonances, via KNS… Continue reading Julian Jaeyoung Kim to perform Beethoven in European tour
Stewart Gordon named 2025 Teacher of the Year by Music Teachers National Association
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty member Stewart Gordon was named 2025 Teacher of the Year by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). According to MTNA, the Teacher of the Year Award is presented annually to the candidate who most clearly demonstrates a strong commitment to the music teaching profession.
Greg Reitan releases new album, “The Bounding Line”
Pianist and composer Greg Reitan (‘96) released his new album, The Bounding Line, via Sunnyside Records on Sept. 6. The album features Reitan on piano, Jack Daro (’93, MM ’99) on acoustic bass and Dean Koba (MM ’93) on drums. The ideas for the original compositions on this record emerged during Reitan’s residency at the… Continue reading Greg Reitan releases new album, “The Bounding Line”
Pianist Derek Kealii Polischuk releases new album celebrating women composers
USC Thornton alumnus Derek Kealii Polischuk (’01, MM ’04, DMA ’06) has released the album Many Hands via Blue Griffin, celebrating piano works by women composers. The recording is a collaboration between Polischuk and his piano students Sungyeon Ahn, Chang Li, Euyjong Choi and Jiwoon Sim. Many Hands features music by Cécile Chaminade, Joan Trimble,… Continue reading Pianist Derek Kealii Polischuk releases new album celebrating women composers
Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald perform piano duet for Chamber Music Palisades
On April 24, USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty members Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald performed a piano duet for the Chamber Music Palisades‘ final concert of their 27th season. Hosted by KUSC’s Alan Chapman, the concert featured musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera, San Diego Symphony and Santa… Continue reading Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald perform piano duet for Chamber Music Palisades