Dear Friends,

In April, Dr. Donald Portnoy conducted his final concert as director of the USC Symphony Orchestra. His 31 years directing the university's premier orchestra has been marked by countless accolades, and his music leadership has drawn out the very best in thousands of young musicians.

With change comes renewal and opportunity. Beginning in August, Dr. Scott Weiss, Sarah Bolick Smith Distinguished Professor of Music and conductor of the USC Wind Ensemble, winner of the 2014 American Prize, will be the interim director and conductor of the USC Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Weiss and the musicians of the USC Symphony Orchestra are excited to present the 2017-2018 season. Featuring repertoire spanning four centuries, the season showcases the amazing talent we have in our world-class School of Music.

We are thrilled to present in March a fully staged performance of Leonard Bernstein's MASS - the composer's most ambitious theater work. The epic stage production is presented by Opera at USC and the USC Symphony Orchestra, along with a rock band, a blues band, several choirs, singers, dancers and actors, and features as the Celebrant acclaimed Seattle tenor Kevin Vortmann, who recently performed the role to critical praise with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Other highlights of the season include beloved symphonies by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mahler and Shostakovich, and terrific concerti featuring several of USC's outstanding faculty soloists. And we eagerly anticipate the return to USC of cellist Zuill Bailey, winner of the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo.

See the season details.

 

Season subscriptions are on sale now!

Please note that season subscriptions must be purchased in person at the Koger box office or by phone. Call 803-251-2222, or purchase in person at the Box Office, corner of Greene and Park Streets (M-F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

We'll see you in September!

Sincerely,
Tayloe Harding