Benjamin Brecher
In Memoriam: Janice McVeigh
Janice McVeigh, former USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera faculty member, soprano and voice teacher, has died at the age of 87. McVeigh was an esteemed instructor at the USC Thornton School of Music for 30 years until her retirement, while also maintaining a private voice studio in Diamond Bar. Prior to USC Thornton, she… Continue reading In Memoriam: Janice McVeigh
Marisa Rawlins-Bradfield appointed as music director of vocal jazz at Santa Monica College
Marisa Rawlins-Bradfield, a current Doctor of Musical Arts student in the USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music program, was appointed as music director of vocal jazz at Santa Monica College. She will begin her new role this fall while continuing to teach at Providence High School and direct the San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus. ***… Continue reading Marisa Rawlins-Bradfield appointed as music director of vocal jazz at Santa Monica College
USC Thornton instrumentalists perform in “The Comet/Poppea”
The Comet/Poppea, a new opera by Yuval Sharon, premiered at the MOCA on June 14 and ran through June 23. The production featured USC Thornton Early Music faculty member Jason Yoshida on the theorbo, Strings doctoral student Eric Tinkerhess on the viola de gamba and alumnus Coleman Itzkoff (MM ’16) on the cello. As described… Continue reading USC Thornton instrumentalists perform in “The Comet/Poppea”
Ken Cazan to direct Georges Bizet’s Carmen at Music Academy of the West Summer Festival
Ken Cazan, the Resident Stage Director of the USC Thornton Opera, will lead Georges Bizet’s Carmen at the Music Academy of the West’s 2024 Summer Festival. Conducted by Daniela Candillari, the opera production will show on July 10 and feature choreography from flamenco star Manuel Gutierrez. The Summer Music Festival takes place from June 12–August… Continue reading Ken Cazan to direct Georges Bizet’s Carmen at Music Academy of the West Summer Festival
Diana Newman and Arnold Geis perform in New York Philharmonic’s U.S. premiere of Émigré
USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera alumni Diana Newman (‘12, MM ‘14) and Arnold Geis (MM ‘14) will be soloists in the New York Philharmonic’s U.S. premiere of Émigré, composed by Aaron Zigman. The performance takes place on Feb. 29–Mar. 1 at David Geffen Hall. Émigré is a musical drama of love and loss that… Continue reading Diana Newman and Arnold Geis perform in New York Philharmonic’s U.S. premiere of Émigré
Gregg Field featured in CBS Sunday Morning segment on Henry Mancini
USC Thornton Board of Councilors Chair Gregg Field was featured in a new CBS Sunday Morning segment on the late composer Henry Mancini. Field discussed the fame of Mancini’s film and television music, such as the ubiquitous “Pink Panther Theme” and “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The segment included a recording session of his… Continue reading Gregg Field featured in CBS Sunday Morning segment on Henry Mancini
Karen Parks performed in Wadada Leo Smith’s world premiere of “America Transformed”
Karen Parks, a USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera faculty member, performed in the world premiere of America Transformed by renowned trumpeter and composer Wadada Leo Smith. The premiere, in which Parks was a featured vocalist, took place September 8-11 at Brooklyn College’s Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts. Parks joined the… Continue reading Karen Parks performed in Wadada Leo Smith’s world premiere of “America Transformed”
Jasmin White wins 2023 Queen Sonja Singing Competition
Jasmin White (‘15), a USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera alum, won first prize at the Queen Sonja Singing Competition in Oslo, Norway on August 26. The competition began with 40 singers in the preliminary rounds and came down to six finalists. White earned €50,000 and artwork by H.M. Queen Sonja, who presented the awards… Continue reading Jasmin White wins 2023 Queen Sonja Singing Competition
Jasmin White wins second prize at 2023 Queen Elisabeth Competition
Jasmin White (’15), a USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera alum, won second prize for voice at the 2023 Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels on June 3. The competition consisted of three rounds, after which 12 finalists were chosen and six won the top prizes. White earned €20.000 in addition to concert opportunities and a… Continue reading Jasmin White wins second prize at 2023 Queen Elisabeth Competition