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
Matthew Krell wins first prize in World Piano Teachers Association International Piano Competition
Matthew Krell, a DMA student in the USC Thornton Keyboard Studies program, has won first prize in composition in the 2023 World Piano Teachers Association International Piano Competition with his piece, “Improvisation after Paganini.” Krell’s winning composition will be presented at the online World Piano Conference, scheduled for May 20-24. *** Photo courtesy of the… Continue reading Matthew Krell wins first prize in World Piano Teachers Association International Piano Competition
Jeffrey Kahane named music director of San Antonio Philharmonic
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty member Jeffrey Kahane has been named music director of the San Antonio Philharmonic. Kahane will begin his tenure with the Philharmonic in their 2024-2025 season while continuing to teach at Thornton. Curated by Kahane, the 2024-2025 season will showcase pieces both classical and contemporary, including the work of Thornton alumnus… Continue reading Jeffrey Kahane named music director of San Antonio Philharmonic