Season 35
1986-1987
Roster
Seniors
Summer 1986 Redwood Camp
November 1986 Concert
Concert Program Overview
The California Youth Symphony inaugurated its landmark 35th Anniversary Season in November 1986 with a sophisticated and technically demanding program under the baton of conductor Lauren Jakey. These performances, held at De Anza College’s Flint Auditorium and the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, showcased the orchestra's remarkable range. The concert opened with the "Great" G minor Symphony (K. 550) by Mozart, delivering a masterclass in Classical precision, before moving into the emotive Romanticism of Chopin’s Concerto No. 2 for Pianoforte and Orchestra. Following the intermission, the program took an adventurous turn into 20th-century Americana with Charles Ives’ atmospheric Three Places in New England, and concluded with the vibrant, virtuosic orchestral colors of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol. This ambitious selection reflected CYS’s ongoing commitment to challenging its young musicians with a diverse and professional-level repertoire.
Featured Soloist: Naoko Takao
A highlight of the 1986 season opener was the appearance of guest pianist Naoko Takao, who joined the symphony for a breathtaking rendition of Frédéric Chopin’s Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21. Performing this cornerstone of the Romantic piano repertoire, Takao demonstrated both the delicate lyricism required for the iconic "Larghetto" and the brilliant technical facility demanded by the "Allegro vivace" finale. Her collaboration with the orchestra captured the youthful passion of Chopin’s early masterwork, earning acclaim from the audience and providing a memorable centerpiece for this milestone anniversary concert.
January 1987: The Second Annual Viennese Ball Benefit
In January 1987, the California Youth Symphony celebrated its 35th anniversary season with the Second Annual Viennese Ball, a signature benefit event held at Temple Beth El in San Mateo. Under the direction of Lauren Jakey, the gala brought together 100 talented young musicians, aged 10 to 17, representing over 30 Bay Area communities. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Austria Club and its president, Leopold Reiter, the evening offered a formal program of waltzes that allowed the community to support the orchestra’s mission while enjoying a night of dance and a dessert buffet.
At this point in its history, CYS had already established a prestigious international reputation, having performed in seven countries over its three and a half decades. The 1987 benefit highlighted the local roots of this global success, featuring prominent student musicians from the Los Altos area, including Stephanie Anderson (cello), Todd Gustavson (clarinet), Debbie Jaffe (cello), Daniel Magay (clarinet), and Felix Tsai (violin). This event remains a fond memory in our archives, reflecting the enduring bond between our young performers and the dedicated patrons who fuel their musical journeys.
March 1987 Concert
Concert Program Overview
The California Youth Symphony continued its 35th Anniversary Season in March 1987 with a powerful "Second Concert" series that highlighted the orchestra’s technical maturity and emotional depth. Led by conductor Lauren Jakey, the program was performed on March 15th at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center and on March 22nd at De Anza College’s Flint Auditorium. The concerts opened with the playful energy of Rossini’s "The Thieving Magpie" Overture, followed by the profound lyricism of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B Minor. After the intermission, the orchestra tackled Aaron Copland’s monumental Third Symphony, a cornerstone of American symphonic music known for its grand scale and the integration of "Fanfare for the Common Man." This ambitious program further cemented CYS's reputation for bringing world-class masterworks to Bay Area audiences through the talents of its young musicians.
Featured Soloist: Eileen Moon
A standout moment of the March 1987 series was the appearance of guest cellist Eileen Moon, who performed Dvořák’s Concerto for Cello in B Minor, Op. 104. Moon’s interpretation of the concerto—from the heroic opening "Allegro" to the soulful "Adagio ma non troppo" and the spirited "Finale"—showcased a level of artistry that resonated deeply with the audience. Her collaboration with the orchestra on this demanding work was a testament to the high caliber of solo talent that CYS consistently brings to the stage. (Note: Eileen Moon would later go on to have a distinguished professional career, including serving as the Associate Principal Cello of the New York Philharmonic.)
May 1987 Concert
Concert Program Overview
The California Youth Symphony concluded its landmark 35th Anniversary Season in May 1987 with a monumental "Third Concert" series, marked by a rare and historic collaboration with the Peninsula Women’s Chorus, directed by Patricia Hennings. Under the baton of Maestro Lauren Jakey, the performances—held on May 17th at Flint Auditorium and May 24th at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center—drew capacity crowds, with local critics noting that "fans packed the hall" to witness the season’s grand finale. The ambitious program opened with the dramatic power of Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, followed by von Weber’s virtuosic Concertino for Clarinet. The second half reached new artistic heights as the 100-member orchestra, representing over 30 South Bay communities, joined forces with the chorus for Ralph Vaughan Williams’ In Windsor Forest and Gustav Holst’s cosmic masterpiece, The Planets. This series was especially poignant as it was dedicated to the memory of Galen Podesta, a tireless CYS supporter and treasurer, and served as a high-profile send-off for a large class of graduating seniors.
Featured Soloist: Tara Coyle
A highlight of the May finale was the appearance of 18-year-old clarinetist Tara Coyle, whose performance of von Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra, Op. 26 celebrated a remarkable family legacy within CYS. As one of five siblings to play in the ensemble—including her sister Susan, a former concertmaster—Tara shared the stage that evening with her younger sister Genevieve (violin) and brother Dan (trumpet). A student of Don Carroll of the San Francisco Symphony, Tara was lauded by The Times for her "songful phrasing" and confident stage presence. In a true display of the CYS spirit of dedication, after her demanding solo performance in a two-piece white dress, she changed back into her orchestral uniform to rejoin the wind section for the remainder of the concert. Her contribution, along with the "rousing and colorful" collaboration with the Peninsula Women’s Chorus, ensured the 35th season ended on a triumphant and unforgettable note.
