Alyssa Mercedes Mena publishes solo flute piece, “Hasta La Raíz”
USC Thornton Winds & Percussion department alumna Alyssa Mercedes Mena (MM ‘21) published a solo flute piece “Hasta La Raíz,” which had its world premiere at the 2022 National Flute Convention. Translated as “Down to the Roots,” the piece gives a glimpse into the composer’s life through Cuban-inspired dance rhythms and melodic passages. Mena studied… Continue reading Alyssa Mercedes Mena publishes solo flute piece, “Hasta La Raíz”
Saxophonist Andrew Harrison to debut with Santa Rosa Symphony for 2024-25 season
Saxophonist and USC Thornton alumnus Andrew Harrison (DMA ‘15) will make his performing debut with the Santa Rosa Symphony for the 2024-2025 season, directed by Francesco Lecce-Chong. Titled “Rach & the Hollywood Sound,” the concert takes place on January 11-13, 2025 at Green Music Center. Harrison is a lecturer of Classical Saxophone at Sonoma State… Continue reading Saxophonist Andrew Harrison to debut with Santa Rosa Symphony for 2024-25 season
Ben Gunnarson joins “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
Ben Gunnarson, a master’s student in the USC Thornton Winds & Percussion program, has won a position in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the oldest active musical organization in the country. Gunnarson will join a community of Thornton graduates, including clarinetists Angelo Quail (MM ‘15) and Andrew Jacobi (MM ‘14, GCRT ‘16) and… Continue reading Ben Gunnarson joins “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
Flutist Gina Luciani creates practice notebook for musicians
Gina Luciani (MM ’13), a USC Thornton alumna and flutist, has launched “Practice Note: The Practice Notebook for Musicians.” “Practice Note” is a modern journal with weekly music practice pages and goal sheets, available in 11 different versions. The journal features a clear layout and vibrant designs to help organize and inspire musicians of all… Continue reading Flutist Gina Luciani creates practice notebook for musicians
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
Sue Elliott joins Calgary Opera as general director and CEO
Sue Elliott (MM ‘98), a USC Thornton Winds & Percussion alumna, was appointed as general director and CEO of the Calgary Opera in Calgary, Alberta. She will partner with artistic director Jonathan Brandani to realize the company’s mission of providing the community with diverse operas, educational programs, artist training and more. “I have long admired… Continue reading Sue Elliott joins Calgary Opera as general director and CEO
Jeffrey Kahane conducts LACO in world premiere of Nina Young’s “Violin Concerto: Traces”
Jeffrey Kahane, a USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty member and conductor laureate of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, will conduct the world premiere of “Violin Concerto: Traces,” composed by Thornton Composition faculty member Nina Young. The piece will be performed by violinist Jennifer Koh on Nov. 11 at the Alex Theatre and Nov. 12 at… Continue reading Jeffrey Kahane conducts LACO in world premiere of Nina Young’s “Violin Concerto: Traces”
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
Sharon Lavery and Veronika Krausas featured in Daily Trojan
On Sept. 11, the Daily Trojan reviewed the USC Thornton Symphony’s opening concert of the fall semester. The article featured interviews with resident conductor and Winds & Percussion chair Sharon Lavery, and Composition faculty member Veronika Krausas. Lavery spoke about the significance of each piece in the repertoire, such as “Caryatids,” which was composed by… Continue reading Sharon Lavery and Veronika Krausas featured in Daily Trojan
Daniel Newman-Lessler conducts USC Thornton students in “Unforgettable Sunrise” premiere
On September 30, USC Thornton alumnus Daniel Newman-Lessler (MM ’17, BM ’14) will conduct 54 current students in the premiere of Unforgettable Sunrise, a 70 minute symphony by Jacob Rock and Rob Laufer. Rock, a non-verbal teenager with autism, communicated his idea for the symphony through an app on the iPad. To help realize his… Continue reading Daniel Newman-Lessler conducts USC Thornton students in “Unforgettable Sunrise” premiere