Season 3

1954-1955

Orchestra Highlights

IN PERFORMANCE: California Youth Symphony
Guest Soloist: John Israel, Piano

The California Youth Symphony presented an evening of classical masterpieces, showcasing the remarkable talents of young musicians from Peninsula communities. Under the direction of the California Youth Symphony Association, the program featured works by Strauss, Beethoven, Mozart, Humperdinck, and Sousa.

Highlighting the concert was First Piano Concerto in C Major, Op. 15 by Beethoven, performed by guest soloist John Israel, a Palo Alto High School student and pupil of Mortimer Markoff. His interpretation brought youthful brilliance and sensitivity to Beethoven’s early masterpiece.

The orchestra also performed Strauss’s sparkling overture to “Die Fledermaus”, Mozart’s Symphony No. 35 (“Haffner”), and Humperdinck’s lyrical “Evening Prayer and Dream Pantomime” from Hansel and Gretel. The concert concluded with Sousa’s rousing march “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

This performance reflected the orchestra’s mission to foster musical excellence among youth and to bring classical music to the community.