News: 2009-2010
- July 18, 2010
- Thornton Alumna Iris S. Levine featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education
- Iris S. Levine, the chairwoman of the music department at Cal Poly Pomona, was recently named the national repertoire and standards chair for women's choruses for the American Choral Directors Association. She plans to be a strong advocate for women's choirs, encouraging conductors to form such groups at their schools and colleges.
Read the article
- July 12, 2010
- Chris Sampson interviewed by USA Today
- Chris Sampson, associate dean and head of the Popular Music program, was interviewed by the USA Today about the new album “Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin.”
Watch the video
- July 3, 2010
- Ken Cazan interviewed in the Denver Post
- Ken Cazan, resident stage director of the USC Thornton Opera, was interviewed in the Denver Post about Jake Heggie’s new opera Three Decembers. Thornton Opera will present the L.A. premiere of Heggie’s 2006 story of survival in a theatrical family, which Cazan staged at Central City Opera House this summer in Denver.
Read the article
- July 1, 2010
- USC Thornton Opera mentioned in Huffington Post
- The USC Thornton Opera program performed Wagner’s Das Liebesverbot as part of the L.A. Opera’s Ring Festival.
Read the article
- June 29, 2010
- Jon Burlingame in The New York Times
- Thornton faculty member quoted in an obituary for Emmy Award-winning television composer Allyn Ferguson.
Read the obituary
- June 11, 2010
- USC Thornton Graduate Student Pauline Yang featured in Sarasota Herald Tribune
- Yang, selected as one of Glamour magazine’s top 10 college women in 2008, will perform in the Sarasota Music Festival.
Read the article
- June 11, 2010
- Tim Page interviewed on NPR about Jascha Heifetz
- It's the 75th anniversary of Heifetz's celebrated recording of the Sibelius Violin Concerto.
Read the article
- June 3, 2010
- Paul Ellison and David Moore mentioned in Strings Magazine
- Strings Magazine featured Paul Ellison and David Moore in a news item titled “USC Doubles Down on Double Bass.” The article mentions that Ellison will return to Thornton in the fall as visiting-artist-faculty and that Moore was promoted to full-time faculty.
Read the news item
- May 18, 2010
- Peter Boyer’s "The Dream Lives On" premieres in Boston
- Celebrated composer and USC Thornton School of Music alumnus Peter Boyer ’96 will premiere his new work, "The Dream Lives On: A Portrait of the Kennedy Brothers," in Boston's Symphony Hall.
Read the article
- May 17, 2010
- Eric Guinivan wins BMI Student Composer Award
- USC Thornton composition student Eric Guinivan is one of eleven winners named in the 58th Annual BMI Student Composer Awards in New York.
Read the article
- May 14, 2010
- USC Thornton's Commencement featured in the Los Angeles Times
- The Los Angeles Times featured USC’s commencement, which honored former Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Esa-Pekka Salonen with an honorary degree.
Read the article
- May 13, 2010
- Brent McMunn quoted in the Los Angeles Times
- The Los Angeles Times quoted USC Thornton Opera music director Brent McMunn about the rarity of opera performers voicing criticism during a production’s run.
Read the article
- May 8, 2010
- The Los Angeles Times ran an obituary for USC Thornton namesake Flora Thornton
- The Los Angeles Times ran an obituary for Flora Thornton, namesake and benefactor of the USC Thornton School. Thornton’s $25 million gift to the school in 1999 was the largest donation to a United States music school at the time; Thornton also helped fund a new USC music building as well as the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Flora forever changed the artistic landscape of Los Angeles,” said Thornton School Dean Robert Cutietta. “As a philanthropist, she propelled Thornton School into the top echelons of music schools in the world.”
Read the obituary
- May 6, 2010
- Del Mar Times highlighted an upcoming performance by USC Thornton faculty member Carl Verheyen
- Del Mar Times reported that Carl Verheyen of the USC Thornton School will perform at a concert in Encinitas to benefit The San Dieguito Heritage Museum.
Read the preview
- Northern Virginia Daily highlighted an upcoming performance by USC Thornton faculty member Midori Goto
- Northern Virginia Daily reported that Midori Goto of the USC Thornton School is scheduled to perform today as part of the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival.
Read the preview
- May 4, 2010
- The Bakersfield Californian highlighted work by USC Thornton faculty member Morten Lauridsen
- The Bakersfield Californian highlighted work by Morten Lauridsen of the USC Thornton School, stating that he is one of the most important choral composers in the United States. Singers from Bakersfield College will perform Lauridsen’s “Sure on this Shining Night,” “Les Chansons des Roses” and “Dirait-on,” the story noted.
Read the article
- April 29, 2010
- Northwest Asian Weekly highlighted a lecture given by USC Thornton faculty member Midori Goto
- Northwest Asian Weekly reported that Midori Goto of the USC Thornton School gave a lecture at the University of Washington last week titled “The Presence of Western Music in Japan: Then & Now.”
Read the article
- April 28, 2010
- Culture Spot LA reviewed the USC Thornton Opera's performance of Wagner's Das Liebesverbot
- Culture Spot LA reviewed the USC Thornton Opera's performance of Wagner's Das Liebesverbot. The story hailed "All the elements were strong! The depth of talent in the cast was astonishing."
Read the review
Read the LA Opus review
- April 24, 2010
- Whittier Daily News highlighted an upcoming performance by USC Thornton student Michelle Tseng
- Whittier Daily News reported that USC Thornton School student Michelle Tseng will perform with the Rio Hondo Symphony.
Read the preview
- April 20, 2010
- The Los Angeles Times highlighted the upcoming performance of Wagner's Das Liebesverbot by the USC Thornton Opera
- The Los Angeles Times featured the USC Thornton School Opera Program’s performance of Wagner’s Das Liebesverbot, part of Visions and Voices: The USC Arts & Humanities Initiative. This West Coast premiere is only the second staged production of the opera in North America, the article stated. “Once I listened to it, I just couldn’t get my mind off it. It seemed like such a strong, fascinating, interesting piece,” said Brent McMunn of the Thornton School, conductor of the opera. The article also quoted Kenneth Cazan of the Thornton School and mentioned USC student Alexandra Loutsion, who will sing the key role of Isabella.
Read the preview
- April 19, 2010
- Ventura County Star previewed an upcoming performance by USC Thornton master's student Brandon Hynum
- Ventura County Star reported that USC Thornton School master’s student Brandon Hynum will perform with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic Orchestra.
Read the preview
- April 18, 2010
- Ventura County Star highlighted an upcoming performance by USC Thornton faculty member Midori Goto
- Ventura County Star reported that Midori Goto of the USC Thornton School is scheduled to perform in Seoul, South Korea, in May. The article stated that Goto holds Thornton’s prestigious Jascha Heifetz Chair in Violin and is head of the school’s string department.
Read the article
- April 16, 2010
- Darlington & Stockton Times (U.K.) highlighted an upcoming performance of a work by USC Thornton faculty member Morten Lauridsen
- Darlington & Stockton Times (U.K.) highlighted Morten Lauridsen of the USC Thornton School and an upcoming performance of his work “Lux Aeterna” in Guisborough, England.
Read the article
- April 12, 2010
- Paso Robles Press previewed an upcoming performance by USC Thornton faculty member Marek Zebrowski
- Paso Robles Press reported that Marek Zebrowski of the USC Thornton School is scheduled to perform at a celebration in Paso Robles in honor of classical pianist Igancy Jan Paderewski.
Read the preview
Read the Polish News preview
Read the review
- April 11, 2010
- Quad-City Times reviewed a performance by USC Thornton faculty member Norman Krieger
- Quad-City Times reviewed a performance by Norman Krieger of the USC Thornton School with the Quad-City Symphony Orchestra in the final concert of its 95th season.
Read the review
- April 8, 2010
- Long Beach Press-Telegram quoted USC Thornton faculty member Sharon Lavery
- Long Beach Press-Telegram quoted Sharon Lavery of the USC Thornton School about her second year as music director of the Downey Symphony Orchestra.
Read the article
- The Sacramento Bee highlighted an upcoming performance by USC Thornton faculty member Midori Goto
- The Sacramento Bee featured Midori Goto of the USC Thornton School, noting that she will give a recital in Sacramento this weekend. Goto, who chairs the string department at the Thornton School, said that her teaching style is guided by the philosophy of embracing the whole person. Goto is known as much for her music outreach programs serving urban youth as for her violin playing, the story stated.
Read the preview
- April 6, 2010
- The Los Angeles Times noted that USC Thornton benefactor Flora Thornton will be honored by LACHSA
- The Los Angeles Times reported that Flora Thornton, the benefactor for whom the USC Thornton School is named, will be honored at the 25th anniversary celebration for the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.
Read the article
- April 2, 2010
- The Star-Ledger mentioned USC Thornton faculty member Pepe Romero
- The Star-Ledger mentioned that guitarist Pepe Romero of the USC Thornton School was part of the guitar ensemble Los Romeros and taught some of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet’s members.
Read the article
- March 26, 2010
- The Register-Guard previewed a performance by USC Thornton faculty member Richard Smith
- The Register-Guard reported that Richard Smith of the USC Thornton School will be performing next week in Merced.
Read the preview
- March 25, 2010
- Las Vegas Review-Journal previewed a performance by USC Thornton faculty member Adam del Monte
- Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Flamenco and classical guitarist and composer Adam del Monte of the USC Thornton School performed at the University of Nevada this week.
Read the preview
- Santa Monica Daily Press mentioned USC Thornton faculty member Jo-Michael Scheibe
- Santa Monica Daily Press reported that Jo-Michael Scheibe of the USC Thornton School will be guest conductor for the 61st annual Stairway to the Stars concert in Santa Monica.
Read the article
- March 24, 2010
- North County Times highlighted an upcoming performance by USC Thornton faculty member Bruce Forman
- North County Times featured Bruce Forman of the USC Thornton School, who will be performing tonight in Temecula. “The university likes to have me busy off-campus, particularly when I am in contact with school music programs,” Forman said.
Read the article
- March 19, 2010
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram reviewed a performance by USC Thornton faculty member Adam del Monte
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram reviewed a concert by classical guitarist Adam del Monte of the USC Thornton School. “There were some impressive performances of works by Barrios, Tarrega and Albeniz,” the story stated. “Del Monte’s playing featured exceptional articulation, clarity and attention to detail.” Del Monte also performed his own compositions and talked about the pieces, the story noted.
Read the review
- March 12, 2010
- The Signal mentioned USC Thornton faculty member Eric Schmidt
- The Signal noted that Eric Schmidt of the USC Thornton School is chairing the facilities committee of the Santa Clarita Arts Commission.
Read the article
- March 8, 2010
- Darien News featured USC Thornton alumnus Bob Lydecker
- Darien News featured USC Thornton School alumnus Bob Lydecker, who contributed music to the score of new film The Crazies. Lydecker is also scoring music for a student film at USC, the story stated.
Read the article
- March 2, 2010
- La Prensa highlighted an upcoming special guest appearance by USC Thornton faculty member Yehuda Gilad
- La Prensa reported that Yehuda Gilad of the USC Thornton School will be the special guest at Bowling Green State University’s upcoming clarinet conference.
Read the article
Read the Toledo Blade article
- February 26, 2010
- Times-News highlighted an upcoming performance by USC Thornton faculty member Bruce Forman
- Times-News reported that Bruce Forman of the USC Thornton School will participate in a benefit performance for nonprofit organization the Great Basin Jazz Camp.
Read the article
- February 19, 2010
- The Cincinnati Enquirer highlighted an upcoming performance by USC Thornton faculty member H. Robert Reynolds
- The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that H. Robert Reynolds of the USC Thornton School will direct the 2010 Honor Band of America.
Read the article
- February 18, 2010
- The Los Angeles Times quoted USC Thornton faculty member Christopher Sampson
- The Los Angeles Times quoted Christopher Sampson of the USC Thornton School about the song “My Sharona” by The Knack.
Read the article
- SoCal Minds featured a USC Thornton vocal masterclass
- SoCal Minds featured a vocal masterclass for students from the USC Thornton School and the Manhattan School of Music, taught via Internet video conference.
Read the article
- February 12, 2010
- The New York Times highlighted USC Thornton faculty member Stephen Hartke
- The New York Times highlighted Stephen Hartke of the USC Thornton School, calling him “one of the most audaciously original and accomplished composers of today.” The article noted that Lorin Maazel conducted the New York Philharmonic in the premiere of Hartke’s Sympony No. 3, a work written in response to 9/11, and that in May Gustavo Dudamel will conduct the premiere of Hartke’s Sympony No. 4, “Organ,” with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Read the article
- February 5, 2010
- Dean's List Announced
- Congratulations to the Thornton students named to the Fall 2009 Dean's List.
Download the List
- February 4, 2010
- In Memoriam: Meg Seno Wemple
- Meg Seno Wemple, an alumna and lifelong supporter of USC Thornton, died Dec. 31.
Read the obituary
- January 30, 2010
- Journal Star highlighted upcoming performances by USC Thornton faculty member Ronald McCurdy
- Journal Star reported that Ronald McCurdy of the USC Thornton School will perform in “Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz,” a touring concert of poet Langston Hughes’ words and jazz poetry.
Read the preview
- January 28, 2010
- The Washington Post quoted USC Thornton faculty member Stewart Gordon about the late Earl Wild
- The Washington Post quoted Stewart Gordon of the USC Thornton School in an obituary for piano virtuoso Earl Wild.
Read the article
- January 27, 2010
- The Arizona Republic quoted USC Thornton faculty member Christopher Sampson on this year's female Grammy Award nominees
- The Arizona Republic quoted Christopher Sampson of the USC Thornton School about the female music artists who are dominating this year’s Grammy Awards field.
Read the article
- January 26, 2010
- Daily Breeze ran an obituary for former USC Thornton faculty member Hans Beer
- Daily Breeze ran an obituary for Hans Beer, who was a professor of the USC Thornton School. Beer joined the USC faculty in the 1950s. He served as associate conductor of the USC Thornton Symphony and director of the Thornton School’s opera performance initiative, the story noted.
Read the article
- January 19, 2010
- The Los Angeles Times previewed an upcoming concert by the USC Thornton Symphony at the Broad Stage
- The Los Angeles Times featured an upcoming concert by the USC Thornton Symphony at the Broad Stage. The concert will be recorded by KUSC-FM for future broadcast, the story noted.
Read the preview
- January 16, 2010
- Ventura County Star featured USC Thornton Oriana Choir conductor Lesley Leighton
- Ventura County Star featured USC Thornton School doctoral candidate Lesley Leighton, conductor of the Thornton School’s Oriana Choir.
Read the article
- January 6, 2010
- Amarillo Globe-News previewed an upcoming performance by USC Thornton faculty member H. Robert Reynolds
- Amarillo Globe-News reported that H. Robert Reynolds of the USC Thornton School will direct the 2010 Honor Band of America performance at Butler University in March.
Read the preview
- January 2, 2010
- The Times-Picayune previewed an upcoming performance by USC Thornton faculty member Midori Goto
- The Times-Picayune reported that Midori Goto of the USC Thornton School will perform with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Read the preview
- December 30, 2009
- Los Angeles Downtown News mentioned the upcoming USC Thornton Composition Department Recital
- Los Angeles Downtown News reported that USC Thornton School composition students will debut new works for the school’s symphony orchestra at USC’s Bovard Auditorium on February 11. The show will feature director Larry Livingston and conductor Sharon Lavery of the Thornton School. One of the show’s highlights will be a performance of Thornton School graduate student Sarah Gibson’s “And It’s Spring When the World Is Puddle-Wonderful, Concerto for Left-Hand Piano and Chamber Orchestra.”
Read the article
- December 24, 2009
- Thousand Oaks Acorn reviewed a performance by the Thousand Oaks High School band of the American folk song “Shenandoah,” arranged for concert band by Frank Ticheli of the USC Thornton School
- Thousand Oaks Acorn reported that American folk song “Shenandoah” by Frank Ticheli of the USC Thornton School was performed by the Thousand Oaks High School band at its winter concert. “This piece featured an exquisite, rolling, canon-like sequence played by the flute section,” the story stated.
Read the review
- December 14, 2009
- Pasadena Star-News featured the USC Thornton School’s 23rd annual Charles Dickens Dinner
- Pasadena Star-News featured the USC Thornton School’s 23rd annual Charles Dickens Dinner, which honored the upcoming retirement of USC President Steven B. Sample and marked the conclusion of the Thornton School’s 125th anniversary celebration. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger presented Sample and his wife, Kathryn, with the John C. Argue Dickens Medals of Honor for their leadership role in transforming USC into one of the nation’s top academic institutions, the story stated. Opera star and USC alumna Marilyn Horne was honored with the Thornton Legacy Award in recognition of her 60-year career and commitment to fostering young musical artists. “These three towering USC figures are the embodiment of this institution,” said Thornton School Dean Robert Cutietta. “In both their personal and professional lives, Steve, Kathryn and Marilyn have consistently held themselves to the highest standards of excellence and dedication. They are true visionaries, and we are deeply grateful to them for all they have done for the Trojan family and beyond.” Chairman of the USC Board of Trustees Ed Roski and his wife, Gayle, co-chaired the event, which attracted 375 guests and raised $500,000 for Thornton, the story reported. The article stated that the event was also attended by Flora Thornton, the benefactor for whom the USC Thornton School is named; Elizabeth Argue, widow of late Chair of the USC Board of Trustees John Argue; USC Trustee Jane Popovich and spouse Kris; USC Trustee Lorna Reed and spouse Charles; and numerous faculty members from the Thornton School and the Keck School of USC. USC graduate students Jake Reed and Kyung-Teak Lim were received scholar awards at the event.
Read the article
- Pasadena Star-News highlighted an upcoming discussion with David Daniels at USC Thornton School of Music
- Pasadena Star-News reported that the USC Thornton School will be hosting a free community conversation with renowned countertenor David Daniels this Thursday.
Read the article
- December 10, 2009
- Napa Valley Register previewed an upcoming performance of a piece by USC Thornton faculty member Morten Lauridsen
- Napa Valley Register reported that the song “Lux Aeterna” by Morten Lauridsen of the USC Thornton School will be performed by the Napa Valley Chorale this weekend to celebrate the World Day of Choral Singing.
Read the preview
- The Herald previewed an upcoming performance of a new work by USC Thornton faculty member Frank Ticheli
- The Herald reported that “Nitro,” a new overture by Frank Ticheli of the USC Thornton School, will be performed by the Monterey Peninsula College Concert Band at a performance this weekend.
Read the preview
- December 7, 2009
- The Shreveport Times highlighted USC Thornton graduate student Keenan Reesor
- The Shreveport Times highlighted USC Thornton School graduate student Keenan Reesor’s honorable mention at the 2009 Wideman Piano Competition.
Read the article
- December 2, 2009
- NBC News announced the USC Thornton School's Choral Winter Gala
- NBC News Los Angeles affiliate KNBC-TV highlighted the USC Thornton School’s Choral Winter Gala Concert, which will be held tonight at USC’s Bovard Auditorium.
Read the announcement
- December 2009
- Thornton 2010 GRAMMY Nominations USC Thornton faculty and alumni have been nominated for 2010 GRAMMY awards in an astounding nine categories. Special congratulations to jazz studies faculty Vince Mendoza who received a total of three nominations in two categories! Congratulations to the following Thornton faculty and alumni for their nominations:
- Thornton alumnus and current jazz studies faculty Vince Mendoza for Best Instrumental Arrangement (2 nominated selections) and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist
- Opera faculty Rod Gilfry for Best Opera Recording
- Alumnus Herb Alpert (BM '54) for Best Pop Instrumental Performance
- Alumnus Michael Tilson Thomas (MM '69) for Best Engineered Classical Album, Best Classical Album, and Best Choral Performance
- Alumna violist Cynthia Phelps (BM ’78) for Best Chamber Music Perforamnce
- Jazz studies alumnus Gerald Clayton (BA '06) for Best Improvised Jazz Solo
- November 25, 2009
- Poughkeepsie Journal mentioned USC Thornton faculty member Ronald McCurdy
- Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Ronald McCurdy of the USC Thornton School is one of the directors of the 2010 Grammy Jazz Ensembles. The story noted that the Thornton School is a Grammy Foundation partner, contributing to college scholarships.
Read the article
- November 23, 2009
- San Angelo Standard-Times highlighted USC Thornton faculty member Kevin Fitz-Gerald
- San Angelo Standard-Times reported that Kevin Fitz-Gerald of the USC Thornton School served as a judge for the International Sorantin Young Artist Competition.
Read the article
- November 17, 2009
- Deseret News reviewed a performance by USC Thornton faculty member Bob Mintzer
- Deseret News reviewed a performance by Bob Mintzer of the USC Thornton School. “If you weren’t at the Bob Mintzer/Crescent Super Band concert, you missed a show,” the article stated. “The easy-going Mintzer, who is also the director of University of Southern California’s Thornton Jazz Orchestra, turned on some younger concertgoers with his own ‘Go Go’ and Basie’s ‘One O’clock Jump.’”
Read the review
- November 13, 2009 The New York Times quoted USC Thornton faculty member Larry Livingston in a series of articles about Gustavo Dudamel
Click here for the full list of 2010 nominations, and watch the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on January 31, 2010 for the winners.
- The New York Times quoted Larry Livingston of the USC Thornton School in a story about new Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who has captured mainstream attention. Livingston said that Dudamel is a breath of fresh air and a thrilling addition to Los Angeles, but he wondered whether glitz was necessary to save classical music. “Will the tsunami of interest in his hair, ‘cool’ name, Latin background, and brilliant temperament lead a rescue of American orchestras from the financial mess which is stalking all of them?” Livingston asked.
Read the article on November 13
Read the article on November 20
- November 2009
- Los Angeles Magazine highlighted the USC Thornton School's 125th anniversary celebration
- Los Angeles Magazine highlighted the USC Thornton School’s 125th anniversary celebration. The article stated that the Thornton School is one of the top three institutions of its kind in the country. The story also highlighted the upcoming concert by conductor Helmuth Rilling and the USC Thornton Symphony, part of Visions and Voices: The USC Arts Humanities Initiative.
View the PDF
- November 5, 2009
- Stockton Record previewed an upcoming performance of USC Thornton faculty member Stephen Hartke's “Night Songs for a Desert Flower"
- Stockton Record highlighted Stephen Hartke of the USC Thornton School, who composed the string quartet work “Night Songs for a Desert Flower.” The four-movement piece was commissioned by New York-based chamber musicians, who will perform it Saturday at the University of the Pacific. Hartke will be in attendance, the story reported.
Read the preview
- November 1, 2009
- A Letter from President Barack Obama
- USC Thornton received a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama for its 125th Anniversary.
Read the Letter
- October 27, 2009
- The Chronicle of Higher Education featured USC Thornton faculty member Brian Shepard
- The Chronicle of Higher Education featured Brian Shepard of the USC Thornton School and the videoconferencing software he developed to enable remote master classes. “There’s a great deal of information that is there if you’re in the same room with somebody singing or performing an instrument, but that is often not transmitted in a videoconference,” Shepard said. His system removes the echo that results when signals travel over the Internet, while allowing the full spectrum of sound to be transmitted, the story stated. “We’re not trying to eliminate the in-person meetings, but there are times when that is impossible,” Shepard noted.
Read the article
- October 25, 2009
- The Cincinnati Enquirer highlighted USC Thornton faculty member Midori Goto's membership to American Classical Music Hall of Fame
- The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Midori Goto of the USC Thornton School has been chosen to be a member of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. “Midori blends an ambitious international performance schedule with innovative community engagement initiatives, both at home and abroad,” the story stated, noting that Goto holds the Jascha Heifetz Chair in Violin at USC.
Read the article
- October 23, 2009
- The Christian Science Monitor quoted USC Thornton faculty member Brian Shepard
- The Christian Science Monitor quoted Brian Shepard of the USC Thornton School in an article on how computers are changing the way people make, perform and listen to symphonic music. Shepard said he notices that freshmen are adept at writing complex scores on their computers, but they often can’t comprehend the subtleties that exist between different instruments or even harmonic registers — most likely because they haven’t heard much classical music performed live. Shepard added that digital orchestration is best used not to replace acoustic instruments, but to add new sounds that composers living centuries ago had never imagined. “I love the orchestral instruments, but I also love the sounds that are created electronically,” he said. “I don’t see it as an either/or situation.”
Read the article
- October 21, 2009
- L.A. Weekly featured an op-ed by USC Thornton faculty member Chris Young
- L.A. Weekly ran an op-ed by Chris Young of the USC Thornton School about Italian composer and conductor Ennio Morricone, who wrote the score to “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.” “His contribution among American film composers is that he happened to create a language that could only have been made for someone working in Europe, but he did it in such a way that, unlike a lot of other scores that are written for European films, he communicated in a language we got immediately,” Young wrote. “I’ve heard he struggles with speaking English, yet you listen to his scores and you wouldn’t know that. I think his music always illuminates what’s going on dramatically in a manner that could have fooled most of us into believing that he understood exactly what was being said and going on.”
Read the article
- October 2009
- Eric Guinivan Received Third Place in the 23rd Annual Austin Peay State University Young Composer's Competition
- Doctoral composition student Eric Guinivan recently received third place in the 23rd Annual Austin Peay State University Young Composer's Competition for his piece Mie: Caprice for Eight Musicians and honorable mention in the 2009 Fauxharmonic Orchestra's Concerto Composition Contest for Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra, which was premiered by the USC Thornton Symphony in 2008.
- Fall 2009
- The Voice magazine mentioned USC Thornton alumnus Christopher Eanes
- The Voice magazine mentioned USC Thornton alumnus Christopher Eanes' new directorship of the Cincinnati Boychoir.
View the PDF
Press Releases:- January 21, 2010: USC Thornton Announces Appointment of Paul Ellison as Visiting Double Bass Faculty
- September 29, 2009: USC Thornton School of Music presents eighth blackbird as part of School’s ongoing 125th Anniversary Celebration
- September 18, 2009: USC Thornton School of Music presents special concert with esteemed alumnus/conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and USC Thornton Symphony Orchestra as part of School’s ongoing 125th Anniversary Celebration
- August 18, 2009: USC Thornton hosts 125th Anniversary Celebration
- August 7, 2009: The rumors are true -- the legendary Steve Miller Band will perform at the intimate Bovard Auditorium October 22 and 23. Tickets go on sale Monday, August 10 at 10AM.
