 Mrs. McConahey |
Los Altos resident and acclaimed pianist, Lynn McConahey, passed away suddenly May 14.
Recognized for her extensive repertoire ranging from early classical to 20th century romantic music, Mrs. McConahey premiered Santa Cruz composer Aaron Blumfeld’s modernistic Concerto No. 1 with the Nova Vista Symphony. She performed in recitals in San Francisco, Music in the Redwoods Concert Series, Portola Valley and benefit performances for the former Ford Country Day School at Morgan Manor, Los Altos Hills. In addition to the Nova Vista Symphony, she appeared with the Palo Alto Symphony, Notre Dame Symphony, Redwood Symphony, Livermore Symphony and Pacific Philharmonic.
“When I play with an orchestra or in recital, the audience applause makes the hours I’ve practiced every day since I was 4 years old worth the sacrifice,” Mrs. McConahey said.
Barely 5 feet tall with a top weight of 98 pounds, Mrs. McConahey astonished critics and audiences with her power as well as her sensitive, dynamic technique. She commanded the huge 8-foot concert grand pianos that dwarfed her tiny frame.
The former Peninsula Times Tribune praised her “awesome emotional range and technique.”
A former student of pianist Aiko Onishi, Mrs. McConahey won several music awards during her undergraduate and master’s degree studies at San Jose State University. After graduation, she toured Europe and received positive critical reviews.
In 1985, she and her husband Wayne Picciano, were awarded a Los Altos Community Volunteer Service Award for performing more than 100 duo-piano concerts at senior citizen homes.
“We play early 20th century favorites seldom heard in modern performances. It’s the music our seniors heard and played growing up. The seniors are so appreciative. It’s like having hundreds of grandparents! The love we receive playing for our senior citizen audiences is our best reward,” Mrs. McConahey said.
They began a weekly one-hour program, “Grand Piano.” on the former Access 3, Los Altos’ cable TV station at Foothill College.
Always in frail health from asthma, repeated falls that broke her hand, wrist and arm ended Mrs. McConahey’s public performing. X-rays revealed a rare bone disease that caused the recurring falls and fractures.
Mrs. McConahey is survived by her husband of 30 years, and her father, John McConahey.
The public is welcome to attend a musical memorial service at 3 p.m., Sunday, at Spangler Mortuary, 399 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.
