Season 33

1984-1985

Roster

Season Premiere: Rousing Artistry and Modern Masterpieces (November 1984)

Concert Program Overview

CYS opened its 33rd Season in November 1984 with performances at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center on November 4 and the De Anza College Flint Auditorium on November 11. Under the leadership of conductor Dr. Lauren Jakey, now in his sixth season with the ensemble, the 100 young musicians from 30 Bay Area communities presented a program that blended classical restraint with robust modern energy. The concert opened with Mozart’s Symphony No. 35 in D Major, followed by Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2. The second half featured two landmark 20th-century works: Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloe, Suite No. 2.

Critics hailed the performance for its "sophisticated interpretations" and the "robust confidence" shown by the young players. While the Mozart symphony was noted for its precision, it was the modern works that truly allowed the orchestra to shine. The ensemble was described as "superb" in the Copland and Ravel pieces, with specific praise directed at the woodwind section and Concertmaster Charles Chan for his effective handling of violin solos. Reviewers attributed the successful concert to Dr. Jakey’s "intelligent programming," which effectively challenged the students and showcased their professional-level training.

Featured Soloist: Jennie Chao

The centerpiece of the program was the performance by 1984 CYS Young Artist Competition winner, Jennie Chao. Performing the Saint-Saëns concerto, Chao was described as a "technical powerhouse" with an immense amount of musicality that made the familiar piece sound "freshly minted". Critics noted her "intuitive" feeling for the music and a "clear, logical mind" behind her dynamic interpretation. The orchestra was lauded for providing "sympathetic and accurate" backing that remained perfectly balanced with the soloist throughout the performance.

Season Highlight: Challenging Repertoire and Virtuosic Brilliance (March 1985)

Concert Program Overview

CYS led by conductor Dr. Lauren Jakey, presented the second concert series of its 33rd Season in March 1985. Performances took place on Sunday, March 10, at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center and Sunday, March 17, at the De Anza College Flint Auditorium. The program featured a demanding selection of works designed to challenge the technical and expressive limits of the young musicians, including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major ("Eroica"), Vieuxtemps’ Violin Concerto No. 5 in A minor, and Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Weber.

Music critic Michael Andrews noted that the orchestra tackled a "tough, important repertoire" that provided both "pleasant surprises" and significant challenges. The performance of Beethoven’s "Eroica" was described as a high-speed interpretation where the ensemble remained secure in the outer movements, though it struggled with intonation in some of the quieter passages. In Hindemith's work, the orchestra’s flutes, oboes, and clarinets were hailed as "prime assets," and the percussionists were given a strong showcase during the "Turandot" Scherzo. While the brisk tempos set by Dr. Jakey sometimes made it difficult for the players to "stay aboard his engine," the concert was ultimately viewed as a valuable opportunity for the musicians to engage with professional-level masterworks.
 

Featured Soloist: Lisa Lhee

The standout performance of the series was delivered by violin soloist Lisa Lhee, who performed the once-popular but often neglected Violin Concerto No. 5 by Henri Vieuxtemps. Lhee’s interpretation was lauded for its "high polish," featuring elegantly articulated bowings, precise intonation, and a wealth of tonal variety. Critics remarked that she handled the concerto's deft passagework with ease, embodying the sophisticated traditions of the French violin school and providing the emotional and technical highlight of the afternoon.

Season Grand Finale: A Celebration of Excellence and Graduation (May 1985)

Concert Program Overview

CYS brought its 33rd Season to a celebratory close in May 1985 with performances conducted by Dr. Lauren Jakey. The concerts were held on Sunday, May 12, at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center and Sunday, May 19, at the Flint Center in Cupertino. This finale served not only as a showcase of virtuosic talent but also as a farewell for numerous graduating seniors who had dedicated years to the ensemble.

The program featured a demanding and diverse repertoire that highlighted the technical growth of the orchestra:

• Weber: Clarinet Concerto No. 1: A virtuosic centerpiece featuring soloist Joel Jaffe.

• Additional Works: The 110-member ensemble performed a range of symphonic repertoire to demonstrate the "professionalism of teenaged musicians".

Featured Soloist: Joel Jaffe

The spotlight for the finale was on Joel Jaffe, a senior at Homestead High School who performed the Weber Clarinet Concerto. Jaffe, who had been with CYS for four years, was described as a versatile musician whose interests included composing and creating elaborate routines for marching bands. He served as the first clarinetist of the State Honor Orchestra and the Foothill Band. Following his graduation, he planned to attend Cal State Northridge to major in music with the goal of becoming a professional musician.

Commendations and Senior Highlights

Publicity and reviews for the finale emphasized the "robust confidence" and "sophisticated interpretations" that had become hallmarks of the orchestra under Dr. Jakey’s six-year leadership. The event honored several standout seniors, including:

• Rene Dupre (Principal Trumpet): A senior from Brisbane who utilized his self-taught computer knowledge to benefit his school while excelling in both the Mills High School band and CYS.

• Cathy Newland (Co-Principal Clarinet): A four-year CYS veteran and recipient of a summer scholarship to the Berklee School of Music.

• Jay Gluckman (Principal Percussionist): A senior widely recognized as a top percussionist in the Peninsula, also serving as lead tympanist with the San Francisco Youth Orchestra.

• Laura Jacobson (Principal Flute): A senior at Los Altos Hills who participated in varsity basketball and the Academic Decathlon while maintaining her position as a lead musician.