Season 40
1991-1992
Roster
Seniors
A Symphony in the Redwoods: The 1991 Summer Camp
In August 1991, the serene silence of Camp Redwood Glen, nestled in the coastal mountains between Pescadero and La Honda, was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of orchestral sound. Nearly 100 young musicians, aged 12 to 17 and representing over 30 different schools across the Bay Area, gathered for a seven-day residency that would define the start of CYS’s landmark 40th anniversary season. Under the baton of the then-new Music Director Leo Eylar and Camp Director Jay Winograd, this summer retreat was much more than a vacation; it was a transformative "musical boot camp" that pushed our students to new artistic heights.
The daily regimen was famously rigorous, often involving up to eight hours of intensive practice. A typical day began with a 7:00 AM wake-up call, followed by morning sectionals and evening full-orchestra rehearsals that lasted until 9:00 PM. The physical demands were real—16-year-old French horn player Kristen Schroeder famously noted at the time that by the end of the day, "our teeth and lips are hurting." Yet, the progress was "fantastic," as Maestro Eylar observed. The unique setting allowed for moments of pure inspiration, with soloists often found practicing their concertos under the shade of towering redwoods, their music echoing through the forest.
However, the 1991 camp was equally about building the CYS community. Between the demanding rehearsals, the redwoods rang with the sounds of softball games, swimming, and ping-pong matches. Mealtimes, featuring the legendary camp hamburgers, provided a space for students from diverse backgrounds—from Millbrae to San Jose—to forge lifelong friendships. As percussionist Alex Wong reflected, the camp was the ultimate chance to truly "meet everyone" beyond the weekly rehearsals. This blend of disciplined artistry and social bonding remains the heartbeat of the CYS experience, a tradition that was captured perfectly during that unforgettable week in the summer of 1991.
November 1991 Concert
The California Youth Symphony inaugurated its landmark 40th Anniversary Season in November 1991 with a pair of performances that were as emotionally charged as they were musically triumphant. On November 10 at the Flint Center in Cupertino and November 17 at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, the orchestra performed under the resilient leadership of Maestro Leo Eylar. This series held a profound significance for the ensemble, as it took place just weeks after Eylar lost his home in the devastating Oakland hills fire. Despite this personal tragedy, Eylar guided the 110-member orchestra to a level of artistry that drew a near-capacity crowd of 1,450 patrons to the Flint Center alone, signaling a bold new era of excellence for the symphony.
The program opened with a spirited rendition of Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture. Critics were immediately struck by the professional caliber of the ensemble, particularly noting the horn section for its clarity, boldness, and cohesive execution. The overture served as a brilliant showcase for the orchestra's technical precision, setting a high bar for the remainder of the afternoon and proving that the CYS musicians were more than capable of handling the intricate textures and rapid-fire rhythms of the French Romantic master. Media reviews later hailed the performance as superior to many adult community orchestras in the Bay Area, crediting Eylar for instilling a sense of professional discipline in his young charges.
The centerpiece of the concert featured the prodigious talent of 16-year-old violinist Lisa Lee, the winner of the 1991 CYS Young Artist Competition. A resident of Fremont and a student of Zavin Melikian, Lee brought an international reputation to the stage, having recently performed in Germany and garnered top prizes from the San Francisco Symphony and Seventeen Magazine. Her interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major was hailed by critics as "undaunted and mature," marked by a sweet lyricism and a commanding technique that belied her young age. Despite having only one full rehearsal with the orchestra prior to the performance, Lee’s synergy with the ensemble was palpable, earning her a standing ovation and widespread acclaim for her "prodigious technique."
The concert reached a thunderous conclusion with Saint-Saëns’s Symphony No. 3 in C minor, the "Organ Symphony," featuring the formidable Rodney Gehrke at the organ. The performance was described as a massive wall of sound that crashed through the hall with resonance and power, providing a triumphant ending to a program that celebrated the resilience of the human spirit. Through the "fire and passion" of these masterworks, the November 1991 series not only honored the orchestra’s forty-year legacy but also served as a profound moment of healing and inspiration for the conductor and his students alike, proving that music could indeed provide solace in the wake of personal loss.
March 1992 Concert
The California Youth Symphony continued its landmark 40th Anniversary Season with a spectacular pair of concerts on March 22 at the Flint Center in Cupertino and March 29 at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center. Under the baton of Music Director Leo Eylar, the 110-piece ensemble delivered a program that balanced the evocative storytelling of the Romantic era with the structural grandeur of the Classical period. The series was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the community, further solidifying CYS's reputation as one of the premier youth orchestras in the nation. Critics noted that the orchestra played with a "professional polish and tonal richness" that rivaled many adult ensembles, a testament to the rigorous training provided during the preceding summer retreat and the leadership of Maestro Eylar.
The program commenced with a vivid performance of Smetana’s The Moldau, where the orchestra’s woodwind and string sections were praised for their ability to capture the undulating rhythms of the Bohemian river. This was followed by the evening's symphonic centerpiece, Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D Major. The performance was hailed as a masterful display of orchestral discipline; reviewers specifically highlighted the "warmth of the brass" and the "clear, authoritative direction" of Maestro Eylar, who guided the students through the symphony’s complex emotional shifts and triumphant finale. The sheer scale and power of the sound left a lasting impression on the near-capacity audiences at both venues.
The undisputed highlight of the series was the appearance of 13-year-old piano prodigy Melinda Lee, the winner of the 1991 CYS Young Artist Competition (Junior Division). A resident of Fremont and a seventh-grade student at Hopkins Junior High, Melinda followed in the footsteps of her older sister, violinist Lisa Lee, who had soloed with the orchestra just months prior in November. Performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Melinda demonstrated a level of technical precision and sensitive phrasing that was described as "mature far beyond her years." Critics were captivated by her "remarkable poise" and "crystalline fingerwork," particularly in the demanding first-movement cadenza, which drew thunderous applause from the audience.
The March 1992 concerts served as a poignant reminder of the California Youth Symphony’s dual mission: to provide a professional-level platform for the Bay Area's most gifted soloists while fostering a cohesive, world-class ensemble. As the 40th anniversary celebrations reached their midpoint, the media and the public alike recognized that the orchestra was entering its fifth decade at the very peak of its artistic powers. The success of this series provided the perfect momentum as the symphony looked toward its season finale and continued its legacy of shaping the next generation of musical leaders.
A Grand Finale: Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence (May 1992 Concert)
The California Youth Symphony brought its historic 40th Anniversary Season to a spectacular close with two finale performances on May 17 at the Flint Center in Cupertino and May 24 at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center. Under the inspired direction of Music Director Leo Eylar, the ensemble presented a vibrant program that showcased the technical versatility and emotional depth developed throughout this milestone year. This series served not only as a celebration of the orchestra’s four decades of music-making but also as a definitive statement of its bright future under Maestro Eylar’s leadership.
The first half of the program spotlighted the exceptional individual talent within the ensemble through two distinct concerto movements. Violinist Amanda Post delivered a compelling performance of the Allegro non troppo from Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, imbuing the Spanish-influenced themes with both fire and grace. In a unique and rare showcase for the percussion section, soloist Alex Wong - a veteran of the CYS summer camps - performed Milhaud’s Concerto for Percussion and Small Orchestra. This rhythmically complex work demanded extraordinary precision and physical agility, providing the audience with a modern and energetic contrast to the traditional Romantic repertoire.
The orchestral centerpieces of the afternoon captured the grand cinematic drama of the 20th century. The symphony tackled a demanding suite of excerpts from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, including the iconic and menacing "Montagues and Capulets" and the tender "Balcony Scene". The musicians navigated Prokofiev’s intricate orchestrations with professional-level maturity, culminating in the visceral intensity of "Tybalt’s Death". The concert concluded on a high note with Gershwin’s An American in Paris, a performance that allowed the orchestra to lean into its jazzy, quintessentially American character, complete with the famous taxi-horn fanfares.
As the final notes of the 1991–1992 season faded, it was clear that CYS had successfully honored its past while embracing a new artistic identity. This finale was a poignant reminder of the ensemble's resilience following the loss of Dr. Lauren Jakey the previous year and a triumphant celebration of the growth achieved during its first full season with Leo Eylar. The success of the 40th anniversary set a high standard for the decades to follow, ensuring that the California Youth Symphony would remain a premier institution for the Bay Area’s most gifted young musicians.
Celebrating Forty Years of Musical Excellence: 1952 – 1992
In the summer of 1992, CYS marked four decades of artistic achievement with a historic Alumni Reunion Concert at Stanford University. This milestone provided a moment to reflect on a journey that began in 1952, when founders Gladys and Clinton Woodhams envisioned an ensemble that would provide high-level musical opportunities for Bay Area youth beyond the classroom. From its humble first rehearsal on March 3, 1952, with just 22 string players, CYS has grown into an internationally recognized institution that has shaped the lives of thousands of young musicians.
A Pioneering Spirit: Breaking International Borders
CYS has long been a pioneer in cultural exchange. In 1963, it made history as the first youth orchestra in the United States to embark on an international tour, traveling to Japan for a 28-day, 12-concert series. This "Ambassadors of Music" spirit continued over the decades, taking the ensemble to Mexico, Australia, and throughout Europe. Notable competitive triumphs include a Third Place finish at the 1988 International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna and becoming the first youth orchestra ever invited to perform at the prestigious Festival de Sully in France in 1990.
The Three Eras of Leadership
The artistic trajectory of CYS has been defined by the visionary stewardship of three remarkable conductors:
Aaron Sten (1952–1979): As the founding conductor, Sten’s 27-year tenure established the orchestra's rigorous standards and disciplined foundation. His uncompromising commitment to excellence laid the groundwork for what CYS is today.
Dr. Lauren Jakey (1979–1991): Dr. Jakey significantly expanded the organization, introducing the Associate Orchestra and string preparatory programs. He was instrumental in resuming CYS’s international touring tradition, leading the orchestra on celebrated tours of Austria and France before his untimely passing in 1991.
Leo Eylar (1991–Present): Taking the podium during the 40th Anniversary season, Maestro Eylar brought a fresh, dynamic energy to the ensemble. His leadership has challenged students with demanding 20th-century repertoire and modern masterworks, ensuring CYS remains at the forefront of youth music education.
A Living Legacy
As we look back at our first forty years, CYS remains more than just an orchestra; it is a community. From those first 22 musicians to the hundreds of students who now fill our ranks, our mission remains unchanged: to pursue the highest standards of symphonic music while fostering a lifelong love for the arts. The 1992 Alumni Concert, which saw decades of former members return to the stage, served as a powerful reminder that while the players change, the music and the spirit of the California Youth Symphony endure.
The 1991–1992 Australia Tour: A 40th Anniversary Landmark
In the summer of 1992, CYS punctuated its landmark 40th Anniversary Season with a spectacular 21-day tour of Australia. Under the baton of Music Director Leo Eylar, 96 young musical ambassadors embarked on a journey across the Pacific, performing in major cultural hubs including Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Albury. This tour was more than a series of concerts; it was a profound cultural exchange, with students living in local homestays, forging lifelong international friendships, and representing the best of American youth artistry.
The undisputed pinnacle of the tour occurred on July 4, 1992, when CYS took the stage at the world-renowned Sydney Opera House. Celebrating Independence Day in such an iconic venue, the orchestra delivered a high-octane program featuring Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and An American in Paris. A highlight of the evening was pianist Bill-John Newbrough’s breathtaking performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1, which showcased a level of technical mastery that stunned local audiences. Australian critics lauded the ensemble’s "panache and bravura," noting that the orchestra’s professional polish rivaled that of seasoned adult ensembles.
The 1992 Australia Tour remains a definitive chapter in CYS history. It not only honored the orchestra’s forty-year legacy but also set a new standard for international excellence under Maestro Eylar’s leadership. For the 96 students involved, the experience of performing on the world’s greatest stages and connecting with Australian families remains a cherished memory. This tour stands as a testament to CYS’s enduring mission: to bridge cultures through the universal language of music and to provide our students with transformative experiences that last a lifetime.
