SPRING CONCERT
Join Maestro Eylar and the California Youth Symphony Senior Orchestra for an evening of sweeping drama, virtuosic brilliance, and symphonic power. This Spring Concert traces a compelling expressive arc—from operatic exuberance to lush lyricism and, finally, to one of the most monumental symphonies of the twentieth century—showcasing the orchestra at its most expansive and expressive.
We open the program with the Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin by Richard Wagner, one of the most exhilarating curtain-raisers in the orchestral repertoire. Bursting with radiant brass fanfares and propulsive rhythmic energy, the prelude captures the celebratory atmosphere of Elsa and Lohengrin’s wedding with dazzling immediacy. Its brilliant orchestration and forward-driving momentum make it an electrifying way to launch the evening, immersing the audience instantly in Wagner’s richly imagined sound world.
CYS is delighted to welcome Young Artist Competition winner Kayla Lee, who joins the orchestra as soloist in Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Violin Concerto. A work of sumptuous lyricism and cinematic sweep, the concerto draws on themes from Korngold’s celebrated film scores, transforming them into a virtuosic and emotionally charged concert work. The violin sings with soaring intensity—by turns rhapsodic, nostalgic, and exuberant—set against a lush orchestral backdrop. Kayla’s dual role as soloist and Co-Concertmaster of the orchestra adds a special dimension to this performance, highlighting both her artistry and her deep musical partnership with the ensemble.
We close the program with Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5, a towering symphonic statement composed during the final years of World War II. Prokofiev described the work as “a hymn to free and happy humanity,” and its expansive scale, bold themes, and powerful rhythmic drive reflect that ambition. From its broad, noble opening to its electrifying finale, the symphony demands both technical mastery and emotional depth, offering the orchestra an opportunity to display its full range of color, precision, and expressive force.
We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening of operatic brilliance, lyrical beauty, and symphonic grandeur.
PROGRAM
Richard Wagner (1813-1883): Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin (arr. Toscanini)
Erich Korngold (1897-1957): Violin Concerto in D major, op. 35 - Kayla Lee, violin
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953): Symphony no. 5 in B-flat major, op. 100
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Erich Korngold -
Sergei Prokofiev -
Richard Wagner
Young Artist Competition Winner
Kayla Lee, violin
CYS Young Artist Competition
Each spring the California Youth Symphony holds its Young Artist Competition to select soloists for the following season. The Competition is open to pianists and instrumental soloists under age 19. Two young artists will be chosen by a panel of three judges to perform with the CYS Orchestra during the November or March concert series of the following season.
Application form becomes available in January!
