Season 35
1986-1987
Roster
Seniors
August 1986 Camp
November 1986 Concert
CYS opened its 35th Season in November 1986 with a distinguished program conducted by Dr. Lauren Jakey. Performances took place on Sunday, November 9, at the De Anza College Flint Auditorium and on Sunday, November 16, at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center.
The first half of the concert maintained a classical and romantic focus, beginning with Mozart's Symphony in G Minor, K. 550, followed by Chopin's Concerto No. 2 for Pianoforte and Orchestra in F Minor, Op. 21. The concerto featured guest pianist Naoko Takao, who performed the work's three movements: Maestoso, Larghetto, and Allegro vivace.
Following the intermission, the orchestra transitioned to 20th-century and nationalistic works. This included Charles Ives' A New England Symphony, "Three Places in New England," which presented evocative American musical landscapes through its movements: The "St. Gaudens" in Boston Common, Putnam's Camp, Redding, Connecticut, and The Housatonic at Stockbridge. The program concluded with the vibrant and technically demanding Cappricio Espagnol, Op. 34 by Rimsky-Korsakov.
March 1987 Concert
CYS presented its second concert series of the 35th Season in March 1987. The performances were held on Sunday, March 15, at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center and Sunday, March 22, at the De Anza College Flint Auditorium. Following the traditional opening of "The Star Spangled Banner," the orchestra performed Rossini’s spirited "The Thieving Magpie" Overture. The centerpiece of the first half was Dvorak’s Concerto for Cello in B minor, Op. 104, which featured guest soloist Eileen Moon on the violoncello. Moon performed all three movements of the concerto, including the Allegro, the Adagio ma non troppo, and the Finale: Allegro moderato.
After the intermission, the program concluded with a powerful performance of Aaron Copland’s Third Symphony. This expansive work was presented in its four movements: Molto moderato, with simple expression, Allegro molto, Andantino quasi allegretto, and the final Molto de liberato — Allegro risoluto.
May 1987 Concert
Season Grand Finale: A Celestial Collaboration
CYS concluded its 35th Season with a grand finale series held on Sunday, May 17, at the Flint Center in Cupertino and Sunday, May 24, at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center. Conducted by Dr. Lauren Jakey, the concert was dedicated to the memory of Galen Podesta, a long-time supporter and board member of the orchestra. This season closer was particularly significant as it featured a joint performance with the Peninsula Women’s Chorus, directed by Patricia Hennings, adding a new dimension to the ensemble's repertoire. The program opened with Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3 and von Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra, followed by Ralph Vaughan Williams’ cantata "In Windsor Forest" and a dramatic rendition of Gustav Holst’s The Planets.
Critical Review
Critics noted the "rousing, colorful rendition" of the program, despite the logistical challenges of a packed house and the complexities of offstage choral arrangements. The collaboration with the Peninsula Women's Chorus was praised for introducing 42 voices to the orchestra's sound, specifically during the Vaughan Williams piece and the "Neptune" movement of The Planets. While one reviewer noted a "jarring note" caused by creaking doors during the offstage singing, the overall performance of Holst's suite was described as a vivid portrait of themes that have become popular in modern sci-fi cinema. Dr. Jakey was also commended for his thoughtful tribute to the graduating seniors—who represented nearly two-thirds of the orchestra—and their parents for their years of sacrifice and intensive participation.
Featured Soloist: Tara Coyle
The featured soloist for the May series was 18-year-old clarinetist Tara Coyle, a senior at Carlmont High School. Coyle’s performance of von Weber’s Concertino was part of a remarkable family tradition; she was one of five siblings to play in CYS, including her sister Genevieve (violin) and brother Dan (trumpet), who both performed alongside her in the orchestra. Her interpretation of the piece was described by critics as "lively and soaring," with a "creamier tone" and "songful phrasing". Although she was the star of the first half, Coyle demonstrated her commitment to the ensemble by changing from her soloist attire back into her uniform to join the wind section for the remainder of the concert. Following graduation, she planned to attend San Francisco State University to study biology and continue her musical training with Don Carroll of the San Francisco Symphony.
