By: Shawn Mars
The historic Austin pipe organ at First Congregational Church of Riverside resonated with renewed vigor last Saturday as Dr. Peiyao Yu performed a diverse program to raise funds for the instrument’s much-needed restoration.
Dr. Yu, a versatile organist known for her innovative approaches to traditional and contemporary repertoire, demonstrated remarkable range through a carefully curated selection spanning from Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D minor” to cinematic favorites from “Star Wars” and “Interstellar.”
The concert, sponsored by Elizabeth Ayala, was organized to support the church’s fundraising efforts for repairs to the 1959 Austin 38-rank, three-manual pipe organ, an instrument that has been part of the church’s musical tradition for many years.
“This organ produces extraordinarily unique, nuanced, and rich tones that electronic organs simply cannot replicate,” Dr. Yu remarked after the performance. “That distinctive voice is worth preserving.”
In preparation for the concert, Dr. Yu worked closely with organ technicians to address ongoing maintenance issues with the aging instrument. The church recently replaced the leather components for all pipes in the Great manual, which created some tonal instability that required careful navigation during the performance.
A standout moment of the evening came with Dr. Yu’s original arrangement of the “Phantom of the Opera” Overture. Her creative reimagining of the work displayed technical mastery and artistic vision, transforming Webber’s theatrical composition into an organ work that honored the original while establishing something entirely new. The audience responded enthusiastically to her performance, impressed by her talent and creative adaptation of the familiar work.
The program also featured a performance of “House of the Rising Sun” by vocalist Elizabeth Ayala and organist Linda Corbitt, offering a brief interlude in the evening’s program.
Dr. Yu’s performance of selections from “Star Wars,” arranged by J. Mark Baker, showcased the organ’s dramatic capabilities, particularly during “The Imperial March.” During her rendition of Anna Lapwood’s arrangements from “Interstellar,” Dr. Yu employed an innovative technique for the piece “Stay,” inserting a pencil into the keyboard to sustain specific notes. At the same time, her hands were free to play other parts. This unconventional approach produced a mesmerizing drone effect that captured the otherworldly quality of the film’s score.
Currently serving as Organist at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Studio City, Dr. Yu brings impressive credentials to her performances. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance from the University of Kansas and a Master’s degree in Church Music with a focus on organ performance. During her studies, she trained under renowned organists including Dr. James Higdon and Olivier Latry, the titular organist of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Her extensive musical education and performance experience have established her as an artist comfortable crossing boundaries between classical tradition and musical innovation.
Since relocating to Southern California, Dr. Yu has maintained an active performance calendar in the region’s vibrant classical music scene. Her forthcoming engagements include a Lenten-themed recital on March 18 at Stan’s Music Parlor in downtown Los Angeles. A significant musical event on March 23 will follow this. Dr. Yu will present the dedication recital for the newly installed Rodgers Imagine Series 359 hybrid organ at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. The full-length program will feature cornerstones of the organ repertoire, including works by Bach, Saint-Saëns, Duruflé, Guilmant and Messiaen, alongside select contemporary pieces that showcase her interpretive range and the tonal palette of the new instrument.
The First Congregational Church’s Music Committee and Pastor Kristen have organized various fundraising events throughout the spring, including a Jazz Concert with Gary Matsuura scheduled for May 3. The organ recital by Dr. Yu represented a significant milestone in their campaign to preserve an instrument that would cost over one million dollars to replace.
The evening’s program was thoughtfully developed through collaboration between the sponsor, Elizabeth Ayala, and the church’s Music Committee, to attract a broader audience to support the fundraising effort. Including film scores alongside traditional organ repertoire reflected this strategy of broadening appeal while still showcasing the instrument’s versatility.
As Dr. Yu concluded with Charles-Marie Widor’s “Toccata” from Symphony No. 5 — a piece specifically requested by Pastor Kristen and particularly beloved by the congregation — the sanctuary erupted in applause. This organ masterwork’s triumphant, cascading notes brought the audience to their feet, calling her back for three curtain calls.
For many in attendance, the evening offered an opportunity to experience a thoughtfully programmed concert featuring a talented organist while contributing to the preservation of a cultural and musical landmark that has enriched the Riverside community for generations.
Published by Drake M.