Morgan Middleton to perform at Congressional Black Caucus Foundation events
Morgan Middleton (BM, ’15) will perform at the Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The CBCF advances the global Black community through premier research and educational advancement. Middleton, who currently studies under USC Thornton Vocal Arts faculty Cynthia Munzer, was also awarded the… Continue reading Morgan Middleton to perform at Congressional Black Caucus Foundation events
Ken Cazan’s staging work on “As One” reviewed by New York Times, Wall Street Journal
Ken Cazan, chair of the USC Thornton Vocal Arts department and resident stage director of USC Thornton Opera, recently directed Laura Kaminsky’s “As One” — a chamber opera commissioned by American Opera Projects at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Fishman Space. Hailed by both The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal for its… Continue reading Ken Cazan’s staging work on “As One” reviewed by New York Times, Wall Street Journal
Ana Guigui (DMA, ’13) named Associate Professor of Voice at the Berklee College of Music
USC Thornton alumna Ana Guigui (DMA, ’13) recently accepted a position as Associate Professor of Voice at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and will begin teaching this September. Guigui, who completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Arts, will directly apply her training, abilities and experience towards this exciting new position. Guigui… Continue reading Ana Guigui (DMA, ’13) named Associate Professor of Voice at the Berklee College of Music
Brent McMunn receives positive reviews for ‘Ariadne auf Naxos’
USC Thornton Vocal Arts faculty and musical director of the USC Thornton Opera Brent McMunn earned rave reviews for his conducting of Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos at Opera Theater of Pittsburgh’s Summerfest. The Pittsburgh Tribute noted that McMunn “conducted a superb performance” and “was impressive technically,” while the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called the opera an”exhilarating theatrical experience.”… Continue reading Brent McMunn receives positive reviews for ‘Ariadne auf Naxos’
Vocal Arts students take home honors at Classical Singer Preliminary Auditions
Vocal performance organization Classical Singer awarded several Thornton students in their recent Classical Singer Preliminary Auditions, held in Malibu this March. Emily Peterson placed first in the Classical University category, Grant Yosenick placed second in the Musical Theatre University category and Lesley Baird was awarded third place in the Classical Young Artist category.
Ken Cazan added to The Grove Dictionary of American Music
Ken Cazan, Vocal Arts and Opera Chair and Resident Stage Director of USC Thornton Opera, included in the newly updated 2nd edition of The Grove Dictionary of American Music. Last updated over 25 years ago, the seminal music dictionary is devoted to American music scholarship and includes entries on popular music, opera, music technologies, musical… Continue reading Ken Cazan added to The Grove Dictionary of American Music
Cynthia Munzer to present masterclass for young vocalists
Vocal Arts and Opera professor Cynthia Munzer will lead a masterclass for young vocalists through the Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight program. The organization provides high school students scholarship opportunities and training from leading performers in the fields of dance, music and visual art. Munzer’s masterclass, which is free and open to the public, will… Continue reading Cynthia Munzer to present masterclass for young vocalists
Interview with Opera Program Stage Director Ken Cazan
https://youtu.be/66qIR39g4B0
Thornton faculty and alumnus join New York City Opera for new premiere
The New York Times reviewed the U.S. premiere of the New York City Opera’s production, Anna Nicole, which features jazz studies faculty Peter Erskine, vocal arts and opera faculty Rod Gilfry, and alumnus Montgomery Hatch. Based on the life of model and actress Anna Nicole Smith, the opera was praised for its balanced and multi-dimensional… Continue reading Thornton faculty and alumnus join New York City Opera for new premiere