CONCERT TO OFFER YOUNG TALENT; 150 MUSICIANS WILL PERFORM.

Byline: Angela Randazzo Daily News Staff Writer

Today's performance of Gala Finale '98 is the season ender for the young musicians of the California State University, Northridge, Youth Orchestras.

More than 150 young musicians from Ventura and Los Angeles counties participate in the orchestras, which will perform for the first time at the 1,700-seat Civic Auditorium at the Thousand Oaks Arts Plaza.

``In the past, the youth orchestra has performed in smaller concert halls. We sold out and had to turn people away,'' said Marney Janss, youth orchestra board member and event organizer. ``The kids are very excited about performing in the bigger space.''

Students ages 6 to 18 will be performing in one of three orchestras, the Camerata Strings, a chamber group; the Symphony Orchestra, which introduces youngsters to the full orchestra; and the Philharmonic Orchestra, which performs advanced orchestral literature.

Marney Janss' 13-year-old son, Andrew, is a principal cellist, performing with the Symphony Orchestra.

Andrew's interest in the cello started in fourth grade. Although his solo performances are usually accompanied by piano, tomorrow's concert marks the first time he will be accompanied by a full orchestra.

``I'll have to pay more attention to rhythm and speed. The orchestra won't follow my lead like a piano accompanist,'' he said. ``I am looking forward to the full, rich sound of an orchestra.''

Bronwyn Banerdt, 13, also is featured cellist. Bronwyn has been a principal cellist with the Philharmonic Orchestra for the past three years.

``Bronwyn is an exceptional talent who should have a bright future,'' said Ronald Leonard, her teacher and principal cellist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Gala Finale '98 begins with works by Bach and Gershwin performed by the Camerata Strings, which includes musicians as young as 6. The string chamber orchestra is conducted by Kim Kilgore.

The Symphony Orchestra, conduced by Susan Thiroux, will feature Haydn's ``Symphony No. 104 in D Major (the London Symphony),'' and Georg Goltermann's ``Cello Concerto No. 4 in G Major.''

Rounding out the program is the showcase Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Jerry Luedders. The Philharmonic will perform Bizet`s popular ``Carmen Suite No. 1'' and Berlioz's ``Roman Carnival Overture.''

Today's event begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are priced from $4 to $20 and may be purchased at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza box office, (805) 449-ARTS, or the CSUN box office, [phone]. Tickets may also be purchased by telephone from TicketMaster, [phone].