Spring Festival 2026: Wind Symphony and Associate Orchestra
Join the California Youth Symphony for an evening of discovery and celebration as the Wind Symphony, directed by Maestro Pete Nowlen, and the Associate Orchestra, led by Music Director Leo Eylar, come together for this year’s Spring Festival concert. The program highlights the orchestra’s commitment to artistic breadth, global perspectives, and the excitement of contemporary voices alongside beloved repertoire.
The Wind Symphony features the U.S. premiere of Luk Thep March by Thai composer Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri. Luk Thep, which roughly translates as “angel child,” refers to a uniquely Thai cultural phenomenon blending folklore, spirituality, and popular culture. Chaiwanichsiri’s march reflects this vivid world through bold rhythmic energy, bright instrumental colors, and a strong sense of forward momentum. By pairing traditional march elements with distinctly contemporary gestures, the composer creates a work that is both immediately engaging and culturally specific—an exciting opportunity for the Wind Symphony to bring a fresh international voice to American audiences for the first time. The Wind Symphony will also perform works by Gustav Holst and Reena Esmail, offering a program that bridges tradition and modern global expression.
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Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri
At the heart of the Associate Orchestra’s performance is Kauyumari, by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, a rhythmically charged and vividly imaginative work inspired by the sacred rituals of the Huichol people of western Mexico. Named after the mythical blue deer—an ancestral guide and spiritual messenger—Kauyumari unfolds as a ritual journey, driven by pulsing rhythms, shimmering textures, and striking orchestral gestures. Ortiz’s music feels at once ancient and fiercely contemporary, inviting both performers and listeners into a sound world shaped by movement, energy, and transformation.
The Associate Orchestra will also feature two soloists from within its own ranks. Concertmaster Justin Tien appears as soloist in the final movement of Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto in G minor, while cellist Matthew Li performs the opening movement of Édouard Lalo’s Cello Concerto. Additional works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Camille Saint-Saëns round out a program rich in contrast, color, and expressive range.
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Max Bruch -
Camille Saint-Saëns
Concert Highlights
Wind Symphony - Pete Nowlen, Director
Gustav Holst - Second Suite in F for Military Band
Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri - Luk Thep March (US premiere!)
Reena Esmail - Chamak
Associate Orchestra - Leo Eylar, Director
Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
Max Bruch: Finale from Violin Concerto no. 1, op. 26 - Justin Tien, violin
Édouard Lalo: Prelude from Cello Concerto in D minor
Ludwig van Beethoven: Coriolan Overture
Camille Saint-Saëns: Danse Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah
Associate Orchestra Concerto Competition Winners
Justin Tien, violin
Justin Tien, 15, is a freshman at Lynbrook High School. He has played the violin for 8 years and currently studies under Tina Minn. Justin made his Carnegie Hall debut in 8th grade after placing in the American Fine Arts Festival. He then performed a second time at Carnegie Hall last year after placing in the American Protege Competition. He immigrated from Taiwan in 2023 after graduating from 6th grade in Fuhsing Private School. In Taiwan, he was the concertmaster for his school orchestra, leading it to win 1st place at the Taipei City School Orchestra Competition and placed among the top orchestras in Taiwan National Orchestra Competition. As a solo artist, he placed in numerous competitions in Taiwan as well, including the Falla Music Competition and Lyra Academy Talent Competition. In the US, Justin also placed in the 2025 US International Open Music Competition, San Francisco International Innovative Music Competition, and Golden Classical Music Awards. He participated in the All-State orchestra in January as well. Besides violin, Justin also enjoys film, community service, and creative writing.
Matthew Li, cello
Cellist Matthew Li, 15, is a freshman at Saratoga High School and currently studies with Jonathan Koh. He has participated in the California All-State Orchestras in 2024, 2025, and 2026 and made his debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2024. Matthew is a prizewinner in both the American Protégé Music Competition and the Silicon Valley Music Competition.
Associate Orchestra Concerto Competition
California Youth Symphony's annual CONCERTO COMPETITION for the Associate Orchestra offers its current students a special challenge and an opportunity for public recognition. All students in the Associate Orchestra are encouraged to compete. Two of five winners will debut in this Festival Afternoon concert.
