Classical Music News

USC Thornton School of Music Appoints New Cello Faculty Member

April 11, 2022

2 MIN READ

After a successful 2020-21 season as Artist in Residence with the Kaufman Music Center, Dr. Seth Parker Woods will join Los Angeles' Thorton School of Music.

As an educator, Woods has served at the University at Buffalo as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar and Visiting Professor — in addition to the music faculties of the University of Chicago, Dartmouth College, and the Chicago Academy of the Arts.

The recipient of the 2022 Chamber Music America Michael Jaffee Visionary Award, he was previously the Artist in Residence with the Seattle Symphony.

Working within many genres, Woods has collaborated with a wide range of artists such as Louis Andriessen, Elliott Carter, Heinz Holliger, G. F. Haas, Helmut Lachenmann, Klaus Lang, Peter Eötvos, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Lou Reed, Dame Shirley Bassey, and Rachael Yamagata.

He has also appeared with the Ictus Ensemble, Ensemble L’Arsenale, zone Experimental, Basel Sinfonietta, Ensemble LPR, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and the Atlanta and Seattle symphonies.

This season of performances will also include concertos by Rebecca Saunders and Tyshawn Sorey, as well as chamber music with violinist Hilary Hahn and pianist Andreas Haefliger.

“Dr. Seth Parker Woods is an exceptional musician and educator who has been celebrated for his creative thinking and innovation," USC Thornton Dean Robert Cutietta said. "We are thrilled to welcome him to our faculty.”

Founded in 1884, USC Thornton is the oldest continually operating cultural institution in Los Angeles.