University of La Verne Professor to Speak about Influential Austrian Composer

Professor of History Kenneth Marcus will speak on May 26 about his book at a Los Angeles lecture and concert celebrating 21st century composer, Arnold Schönberg.

“Schönberg and Hollywood” will be at Villa Aurora, 520 Paseo Miramar from 4 to 7 p.m.

Marcus, who came to the University of La Verne in 2001, teaches European, American, and world history, among other topics. He incorporates discussions about the composer into his classes on modern European history and on discussions about exiles and culture.

Marcus’ 2016 book, “Schoenberg and Hollywood Modernism,” explores the composer’s deep ties to Hollywood, including friendships with film industry figures such as George Gershwin, Oscar Levant, David Raksin, and Alfred Newman. Schoenberg, the spelling he adopted when he came to the U.S., also worked as a music professor in Southern California.

“I’m really excited about this event, since I’ve never done anything quite like it, and it draws on some of the main themes of (my) book,” he said.

The event also features music, including a live performance of Schoenberg’s “Phantasy for Violin.”

Information and tickets: https://www.vatmh.org/en/eventreader/20180526_schoenberg_eng.html