Season 54
2005-2006
Senior Orchestra and Associate Orchestra Roster
Prep Program Roster
Seniors
Summer 2005 Redwood Camp
54th Season: First Senior Orchestra Concert Overview (November 2005)
The California Youth Symphony opened its 54th season with a series of powerful performances under the baton of Music Director Leo Eylar. Held on November 13, 2005, at the Flint Center and November 20 at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, the program offered a masterful blend of philosophical depth and technical brilliance. The orchestra took the audience on an emotional journey, beginning with the sweeping, heroic themes of Richard Strauss’s Don Juan.
The centerpiece of the afternoon featured the dazzling Piano Concerto No. 1 by Franz Liszt, a work renowned for its "thematic metamorphosis" and the innovative use of the triangle to create a shimmering, silvery sound. The concert concluded with Gustav Holst’s monumental suite, The Planets. This performance was particularly special as it featured a women’s chorus from the San Jose State University Concert Choir, adding a haunting, mystical atmosphere to the final movement, "Neptune". Together, these works transformed the stage into a space for exploring human character and the mysteries of the unknown.
Featured Soloist: Bethany Wang
CYS was proud to present pianist Bethany Wang as the featured soloist for this concert series. A standout talent, Bethany was one of two winners of the 2005 CYS Young Artist Competition held at Stanford University. At the time of this performance, she was a senior at San Ramon Valley High School and a dedicated pupil of Dr. Jed Galant.
Bethany’s musical journey began at the age of four, and she quickly rose to prominence by winning top prizes in prestigious events such as the U.S. Open Music Competition and the Ross McKee Piano Competition. Her achievements prior to this concert included receiving the Paderewski Medal for ten years of excellence and performing in the Bay Area Steinway Society’s Young Artist Concert. Beyond her mastery of the keyboard, the program noted that Bethany was a well-rounded individual with a passion for reading and drawing. Her performance of the Liszt concerto remains a highlight of the 2005-2006 season, showcasing the incredible level of artistry within the CYS community.
Prep Group Holiday Concert (December 2005)
Associate Orchestra Holiday Concert (December 2005)
On December 11, 2005, the California Youth Symphony presented a festive Holiday Concert at the Smithwick Theatre in Foothill College. Led by Conductor Leo Eylar, the performance featured both the Associate and Senior Orchestras in a program that blended classical masterpieces with seasonal favorites. The Associate Orchestra opened the afternoon with vibrant works such as Khachaturian’s "Dance of the Young Maidens" and selections from Bizet’s Carmen.
The concert was highlighted by a historic world premiere of Paul Davies’ Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra, performed by the Senior Orchestra with guest soloist Kate Ryder. To close the event, the musicians brought the holiday spirit to life with a joyful medley of classics, including Leroy Anderson’s "Sleigh Ride" and Irving Berlin’s "White Christmas". It was a landmark afternoon that celebrated both new contemporary music and the beloved traditions of the season.
Featured Artists
Paul Davies, Composer
The afternoon featured the work of Paul Davies, a prolific composer and the chair of the music department at Foothill College. His Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra was a deeply personal project that began as sketches during his student years in the mid-seventies and was finally completed in 2004. Dr. Davies earned his Ph.D. from the University of California at San Diego and has seen his works performed at major festivals in London, Berlin, Bucharest, and Prague. His Rhapsody was affectionately dedicated to today’s soloist, Kate Ryder.
Kate Ryder, Piano
Guest soloist Kate Ryder traveled from London to perform the world premiere of Davies’ Rhapsody. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Ms. Ryder is a versatile performer celebrated by The Times of London for her "virtuoso playing". She has a distinguished career performing with leading contemporary music ensembles across Europe and frequently records for the BBC. She is also a member of the renowned British six-piano ensemble, Piano Circus.
Senior Orchestra March 2006 Concert
The California Youth Symphony Orchestra delivered an energetic and diverse program on March 19, 2006, at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center and March 26 at the Flint Center. Under the leadership of Music Director Leo Eylar, the performance opened with Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, a brilliant work written to celebrate a spirit of optimism and hope. The first half of the concert also featured the complex and daring Piano Concerto No. 2 by Serge Prokofiev, a masterpiece that continues to be celebrated for its fire and irrepressible energy.
Following the intermission, the orchestra explored American folklore through Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo, which masterfully uses cowboy tunes to evoke a sense of wit and humor. The program concluded with Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, a world-famous work filled with legend and fantasy. Known for its colorful orchestration and authentic Russian folk melodies, this suite provided a spectacular finish to an afternoon that showcased the orchestra's exceptional level of artistry.
Featured Soloist: Kenric Tam (Piano)
CYS was proud to present 15-year-old pianist Kenric Tam as the featured soloist for this concert series. A sophomore at Gunn High School in Palo Alto, Kenric was one of the two winners of the 2005 CYS Young Artist Competition. At the time of this performance, he was already an internationally recognized talent, having studied at the Warsaw Piano Institute in Poland and won the Lennox International Young Artist Competition.
Kenric’s list of achievements is extensive, including first-prize wins at the Bronislaw Kaper Awards of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Fremont Symphony Concerto Competition. He also received top honors in numerous regional and state competitions, such as the San Jose Youth Orchestra and El Camino Youth Symphony competitions. His performance of the Prokofiev concerto highlighted his incredible technical skill and musical maturity, confirming his place as one of the most promising young artists of his generation.
Associate Orchestra Season Finale Concert (May 2006)
54th Season: Senior Orchestra Third Concert Overview (May 2006)
The California Youth Symphony concluded its 54th season with a magnificent series of performances on May 14, 2006, at the Flint Center and May 21 at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center. Under the direction of Leo Eylar, the program opened with the conductor's own composition, Rhapsody for Orchestra, a driven and expressive work featuring energetic "concertato" styles. The concert continued with a diverse selection of masterworks, including Haydn's virtuosic Trumpet Concerto and Ralph Vaughan Williams' nostalgic song cycle, Songs of Travel.
Following the intermission, the orchestra performed Antonín Dvořák’s Violin Concerto, a piece celebrated for its rhapsodic phrases and spirited Bohemian dance tunes. The afternoon reached its emotional peak with suites from Serge Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. From the menacing tones of "The Montagues and the Capulets" to the rapturous "Balcony Scene," the orchestra captured the full drama and "simplicity of heart" that Prokofiev intended for this timeless story.
Featured Soloists
Ryan Svendsen, Trumpet
Principal trumpet Ryan Svendsen performed Haydn's famous concerto, showcasing the agility and range of the instrument. At the time of the concert, Ryan was a member of the California All-State Honor Band and lead trumpet for the Junipero Serra High School Jazz Ensemble. An accomplished student-athlete, he also held a Black Belt in Shalon Kempo and was a member of his school's swim and water polo teams. Following this season, he planned to attend UCLA to continue his musical studies.
Eugene Chan, Baritone
The orchestra was joined by lyric baritone Eugene Chan for a moving rendition of Songs of Travel. A student at Sacramento State University, Eugene had already established an impressive resume, including roles with the Sacramento Opera and winning first place in West Bay Opera's scholarship competition. His performance brought to life the "happy solitude" and enthusiasm of a young traveler discovering the world.
Julie Chen, Violin
Assistant Concertmaster Julie Chen was the featured soloist for the Dvořák concerto. A senior at Monta Vista High School, Julie had received numerous awards, including the Yehudi Menuhin-Dowling Young Artist Competition. In addition to her musical excellence, she was a national finalist in Business Communications for the Future Business Leaders of America. After graduation, Julie planned to pursue a double degree in music and psychology at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
2006 China Tour Preview Concert
On June 18, 2006, the California Youth Symphony held a special Tour Preview Concert at the Spangenberg Theatre in Palo Alto. This performance served as a final showcase for the music the orchestra would take on its 16th international concert tour to China later that month. Under the direction of Leo Eylar, the program featured a selection of brilliant works, including Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, and excerpts from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. The concert highlighted the orchestra's status as a premier youth ensemble, which had grown to serve over 500 young musicians across eight different programs by its 54th season.
Featured Artist: Ashley Lau
A central figure of the 2005-2006 season was the orchestra's concertmaster, Ashley Lau. A senior at Saratoga High School, Ashley was a highly accomplished violinist who began her studies at the age of four. During the season, she was featured as a soloist in Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, a piece she performed both at the tour preview concert and as part of a special CD recording with the orchestra. Beyond her musical talents, Ashley was a stellar student with a 4.0 GPA, taking advanced courses in science and math while participating in the Future Physicians of America club.
Special Recording: The Maestro's Pick
To celebrate the artistry of the season, CYS released a CD titled The Maestro’s Pick: Orchestral Virtuoso Showpieces. The album featured Ashley Lau as the soloist and captured the high level of performance achieved by the Senior Orchestra under Maestro Leo Eylar’s leadership. This recording, along with the preview concert, marked the culmination of a successful year of musical growth and prepared the students for their historic cultural exchange in China.
