Established in 1988, the USC THORNTON CHAMBER ORCHESTRA dedicates its six-concert season to works from the 18th and 20th centuries that were written for a smaller, more intimate ensemble. This versatile group is involved in the performance of works for chorus and orchestra presented with the Thornton choral groups, readings with graduate conducting students, and new compositions. Over its brief history, the Thornton Chamber Orchestra, under the leadership of music director Yehuda Gilad, has earned a wide reputation for the quality of its concerts and the uniqueness of its programs.