LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Symphony celebrated the opening of its 40th year on Sunday, Nov. 19, with a concert at the Soper Reese Theatre featuring the works of two of the 19th century’s most celebrated composers.

John Parkinson, the symphony’s music director and conductor – who antedates the orchestra but not by much – selected Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 for his opening piece, with Ukiah’s Elizabeth MacDougall at the keyboard of the Symphony Association’s Yamaha Grand Piano.

From the first four notes – among the most recognizable in the music world – she demonstrated her mastery of the beautiful, if difficult, concerto.

Some thought that Tchaikovsky was attempting to compose music that only the top pianists could attempt, but during his lifetime it was played by many, including Nikolay Rubinstein, then considered the world’s greatest.

On Nov. 19 at Lakeport’s Soper Reese Theatre Elizabeth MacDougall joined their ranks.

In the cozy confines of the Soper Reese it is sometimes difficult for soloists to be heard – or hear themselves – over the thunder of the full orchestra, but this proved to be no obstacle to MacDougall, who threaded her way flawlessly through the numerous runs and harmonic complexities that makes Tchaikovsky’s piano concerto No. 1 so difficult to play.

Throughout the concerto she managed to keep her piano as the dominant instrument. At the conclusion she was rewarded with lengthy and well-deserved applause.

Following intermission Parkinson returned to the podium to lead the 50-plus piece orchestra in Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 38 – usually referred to as “The Spring Symphony.”

Parkinson was perfectly aware of Schumann’s belief that music could and should capture the feelings and emotions of the subjects it was addressing; so even though the blustery winds of November were forming outside the Soper-Reese, the full orchestra managed to convey at least some of the music of Spring, the basis of Schumann’s piece, for which the audience demonstrated its appreciation.

As is usual, the Symphony Youth Orchestra opened the program under the direction of Sue Condit, playing both the first and second movements of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto in the concerto grosso style, meaning each section of the string orchestra played as a solo part.

Condit also reported that she was recruiting young brass and woodwind players for the orchestra’s spring semester which will permit her to expand from strings only to a full orchestra. Those wishing to participate can contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For local residents who are unfamiliar with the symphony, or perhaps do not know that Lake County even has a symphony, a good way to get acquainted is to visit the full-dress rehearsal preceding each formal concert at 11 a.m., which people 18 or younger can attend for free, with others paying just five bucks.

Attendees can watch and hear both the Youth and Symphony orchestras, with only rare corrections made by the conductors.

The fact that the full orchestra engages musicians from throughout the north counties means that rehearsals are limited, yet in spite of this the professionalism of the players is evident by how seldom they need correction. Some performers find it difficult to even arrive early enough to attend the rehearsal that’s always held prior to the concert.

Martin Scheel, who serves as the symphony’s announcer, referenced this when he reminded concert-goers that if anyone could provide housing for some of the more far-flung members of the orchestra, it would be appreciated.

The next performance of the symphony will be on Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Soper Reese Theatre, which has now been designated its official home.

The rehearsal will get under way at 11 a.m., with the Concert beginning at 2 p.m.

Parkinson promises a Christmas extravaganza that will more than match the most festive of holiday moods.

Connel Murray is a member of the Lake County Symphony Association.