On Sunday, May 18, the stage of Orchestra Hall came alive with music, energy, and celebration as CYSO’s Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras performed their final concert of the season. Family, friends, and supporters gathered for a night that showcased not only musical excellence but also the heart of the CYSO community.
The evening began with a warm welcome from CYSO Executive Director Jennie Oh Brown. Dr. Brown celebrated the extraordinary young musicians performing that night, calling it a special opportunity to honor their talent and dedication. “Our Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra represent the heart of CYSO,” she said, “passion, community, and the promise of the future.” She also expressed heartfelt thanks to the CYSO community—donors, alumni, music lovers, and families—for their continued support of the arts. “Music brings us together, lifts us up, and helps us imagine what is possible,” she reminded the audience.
The Philharmonic Orchestra opened the concert with a stirring selection from Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi, a lush, cinematic work that showcased the ensemble’s full dynamic range and richly layered textures. In a striking and immersive touch, the horn section performed from the lower balcony, surrounding the audience with sound. From shimmering strings to bold, resonant brass, the students delivered a confident, emotionally charged performance that set a powerful tone for the evening.
Following Philharmonic Orchestra’s set, the stage was transformed for a special moment of recognition. Executive Director Jennie Oh Brown returned to the stage and led a heartfelt awards ceremony. Among the honorees were Elyse Schlesinger and Zoe Strange, co-recipients of the Mollendorf Award, and Christie Keiko Abe, who was presented with the Inspiration Award, which recognizes an outstanding music educator in the CYSO community, after a warm introduction from her student Amanda Schuler. Four students—Jose Alvarez, Henry Auxenfans, Chloe Cohen, and Caleb McCloud—were also recognized with Music Director Awards by Maestro Allen Tinkham. The ceremony concluded with a celebration of the graduating seniors, acknowledging their contributions and growth throughout their time at CYSO.
The Symphony Orchestra took the stage next to perform two pieces that showed the wide range of their musical abilities. They began with Overture to The School for Scandal by Samuel Barber, a fast-paced and playful piece full of quick changes, bright melodies, and sharp rhythms. The students played with energy and precision, bringing out the humor and sparkle in the music. They followed with Montgomery Variations by Margaret Bonds, a deeply moving and powerful work inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. In contrast to the first piece, this music was rich with emotion, at times solemn, reflective, and even hopeful. The orchestra approached it with great care and expression, showing their ability to play not just with skill, but with real feeling. It was a performance that invited the audience to listen closely and reflect.
After intermission, the Symphony Orchestra returned for the grand finale: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Under Maestro Tinkham’s direction, the students delivered a commanding and impassioned performance, navigating the symphony’s sweeping melodies, dramatic turns, and triumphant conclusion with skill and maturity well beyond their years.
As the final notes rang through the hall, the audience rose in a standing ovation—a fitting tribute to the hard work, talent, and spirit of the students who brought the music to life.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in person or via livestream. We look forward to welcoming you back to Orchestra Hall next season!
See more photos in our photo album.
