USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program
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The USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program is one of the top programs in the country. If you’re looking to pursue a career in opera, this is the place to be.
USC Thornton School of Music
USC Thornton School of Music students have the opportunity to participate in an opera program that is unparalleled in its comprehensive approach to nurturing young operatic talent. From the moment they step onto campus, students are immersed in an artistic community that is passionate about opera and committed to helping each student reach their full potential.
Location
USC Thornton School of Music is located in the University Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA, just south of downtown. It is part of the University of Southern California, which enrolls over 44,000 students in a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Thornton School of Music is one of the nation’s leading music schools, with over 1,100 students enrolled in its bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The school offers degrees in composition, conducting, performance (including jazz and popular music), music education, music industry, music technology, and music therapy. It also offers several non-degree programs for professional musicians.
History
The USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program was founded in 1953 by Dr. H. Glenn Banister Sr., a noted baritone and professor of voice at USC. The program has produced some of the world’s most celebrated opera singers, including Beverly Sills, James King, Ben Heppner, and Renée Fleming.
The program offers a full range of performance opportunities for students, from fully staged operas to world premiere workshop productions. Students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of settings, including the historic Bovard Auditorium, the world-renowned LAPhil harmontia Hall, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. In addition to traditional opera repertoire, the program also performs new works by contemporary composers.
The USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program is dedicated to training the next generation of opera singers and fostering a love for opera amongst all students.
Notable alumni
The USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program has produced many notable alumni, including Grammy and Emmy Award-winning opera singers, conductors, directors, and composers. Some of our more famous alumni include:
-Renee Fleming, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning opera singer
– Placido Domingo, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning opera singer and conductor
– James Conlon, Grammy Award-winning conductor
USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program
The USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program is one of the most prestigious programs in the country. It is a highly competitive program that only accepts a small number of students each year. The program is four years long and includes intensive training in opera performance, vocal technique, and acting.
Program overview
The USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program is one of the leading opera training programs in the country. It is a highly selective program that offers a rare combination of professional training and artistic development opportunities. The program provides students with the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most respected voice teachers, conductors, and stage directors. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in opera performance and related fields.
Opera Program students have access to a number of world-class performance venues, including the historic Bovard Auditorium and the state-of-the-art Alfred Sachtleben Opera Studio. The program also offers a unique opportunity to participate in fully staged opera productions. Recent productions have included such classics as Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Verdi’s La traviata.
The USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program is committed to fostering the next generation of operatic talent. The program’s faculty includes some of the world’s leading operatic artists, who are dedicated to helping students develop their talents to the fullest potential. In addition to their regular teaching responsibilities, faculty members also mentor students throughout their time in the program. Through this mentorship, students gain invaluable insight into the professional opera world and learn what it takes to be a successful operatic artist.
Admission requirements
In order to be admitted into the USC Thornton School of Music Opera Program, students must first complete an online application and submit it along with a non-refundable application fee, official transcripts from all previous institutions, and two letters of recommendation. USC Thornton requires that all applicants have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent before start of the program. After the completed application is received, an audition will be scheduled.
Curriculum
USC Thornton’s Opera program offers a comprehensive education in all aspects of the art form, from vocal performance and stage acting to music history and composition. Students have the opportunity to perform leading roles in mainstage productions, to collaborate with world-renowned faculty, and to participate in master classes and seminars with some of the most respected opera singers, directors, and conductors working today. The program’s close relationships with Los Angeles area opera companies provide students with valuable professional experience.
Why study opera at USC Thornton?
USC Thornton offers a well-rounded curriculum that will prepare you for a career in opera. You will have the opportunity to work with world-renowned faculty and guest artists, and perform in some of the most iconic venues in Los Angeles. USC Thornton also offers a unique community atmosphere, and you will be able to make lifelong friends and connections.
World-renowned faculty
USC Thornton’s Opera program is led by world-renowned faculty who are passionate about teaching and about opera. They are working professionals who are active in the industry, and they bring their insight and experience to the classroom. Whether you are a prospective student or a current student, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the best opera teachers in the world.
Extensive performance opportunities
USC Thornton offers one of the most comprehensive and immersive opera training programs in the world. Our students have the opportunity to perform in multiple productions each year, working with some of the most respected opera directors, conductors, and performers in the industry. Whether you’re singing a lead role or working behind the scenes in the orchestra or production crew, you’ll gain invaluable experience that will prepare you for a career in opera.
State-of-the-art facilities
USC Thornton’s state-of-the-art facilities give our students the opportunity to work with some of the best resources in the country. Our facilities include:
-The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Studio for Contemporary Opera: This state-of-the-art facility provides a venue for USC Thornton’s innovative, student-produced contemporary opera series.
-The Larry D. and Sandra Pfeiffer Teaching Theater: This 300-seat theater is equipped with a hydraulic orchestra pit, making it the perfect venue for USC Thornton opera productions.
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Studio for Contemporary Opera and the Larry D. and Sandra Pfeiffer Teaching Theater are both located in the heart of USC’s University Park campus, just a short walk from the School of Music.