Midori named artistic director of Ravinia Steans Music Institute
Midori, a celebrated violinist and USC Thornton Judge Widney Professor of Music, has been named artistic director of the piano and strings program at Ravinia Steans Music Institute (RSMI). She will succeed esteemed violinist Miriam Fried, who has held the position since 1994. Her new appointment, effective fall 2023, will involve leading young professional musicians… Continue reading Midori named artistic director of Ravinia Steans Music Institute
Bing Wang receives honorary degree from Manhattan School of Music
World-renowned violinist and USC Thornton Strings faculty member Bing Wang received an honorary Doctor of Musical Arts degree from her alma mater, Manhattan School of Music (MSM), at their commencement ceremony on May 18. Wang earned a master’s degree from MSM in 1991 under the tutelage of Thornton Jascha Heifetz Chair in Violin, Glenn Dicterow.… Continue reading Bing Wang receives honorary degree from Manhattan School of Music
Kaitlin Miller wins first prize in 25th American Harp Society National Competition
Kaitlin Miller, a master’s student in the USC Thornton Strings department, has won first prize in the Young Professional division of the 25th American Harp Society (AHS) National Competition. The competition was held May 31-June 4 at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. In 2019, Miller won the AHS in Dallas Scholarship Competition. As this… Continue reading Kaitlin Miller wins first prize in 25th American Harp Society National Competition
Violinist Eudice Shapiro commemorated in article by The Forward
Pioneering violinist and former USC Thornton strings faculty member Eudice Shapiro was commemorated in an article by The Forward on May 9. Journalist Benjamin Ivry shared little-known facts about Shapiro’s life and the Jewish friends, composers and students who were a part of it. The article referenced USC News’ Title IX story on Shapiro, featuring… Continue reading Violinist Eudice Shapiro commemorated in article by The Forward
Etienne Gara releases new album with Delirium Musicum
Violinist and USC Thornton alumnus Etienne Gara (GCRT ’13) released the album SEASONS for Warner Classics on April 7. He collaborated with chamber ensemble Delirium Musicum, which includes USC Thornton alumni YuEun Kim (GCRT ‘15, AD ‘17) and Misha Vayman (GCRT ’20). Described as “eight delightfully unhinged seasons,” the album features Max Richter’s The New… Continue reading Etienne Gara releases new album with Delirium Musicum
Misha Vayman joins Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
Violinist and USC Thornton Strings department alumnus Misha Vayman (GCRT ’20) has joined Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) in the Violin I section. In addition to his career as a soloist, recording artist and now, LACO member, Vayman performs in several bands including Astral Mixtape, the genre-bending quartet made up of fellow Thornton alumni Juan-Salvador… Continue reading Misha Vayman joins Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
Francisco Fullana wins 2023 Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi Prize
Violinist and USC Thornton alumnus Francisco Fullana (GCRT ‘15) has won the 2023 Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi Prize, an award given annually by the Festival Napa Valley to one outstanding performer and innovator in classical music. Along with a $10,000 cash prize, Fullana will receive a commemorative trophy designed by Adam Wiedmann and Nimbus Arts,… Continue reading Francisco Fullana wins 2023 Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi Prize
Tengyue (TY) Zhang and Strauss Shi of The Bestfriends Duo win 2023 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition
USC Thornton DMA candidate in Classical Guitar Tengyue (Ty) Zhang and Strings program alumnus Strauss Shi (MM ’19) were announced as winners in the 2023 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition. The award has earned them joint international representation by the Concert Artists Guild and Young Classical Artists Trust, performances at Merkin Hall in New… Continue reading Tengyue (TY) Zhang and Strauss Shi of The Bestfriends Duo win 2023 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition
Cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins wins Pierre Fournier Award
Cellist and USC Thornton alumna Annie Jacobs-Perkins (’18) won the 2023 Pierre Fournier Award on May 4 with her performances of Elliott Carter and Fauré, accompanied on the piano by Dina Ivanova. As this year’s winner, she will receive a recital at London’s Wigmore Hall, a CD recording on the Champs Hill label, recitals with… Continue reading Cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins wins Pierre Fournier Award
2022-2023 Year in Review
Looking back on a remarkable year at USC Thornton.