As we prepare for our summer concert tour in Italy, WQED's Voice of the Arts takes listeners behind the scenes of this exciting musical journey! Executive Director Eftihia Arkoudis and Music Director Patrick Forsyth discuss the upcoming tour, the orchestra's travel itinerary, and what audiences can expect from the performances abroad, while also sharing a preview of the upcoming 2026-27 PYPO season. Musicians Shawn and Eric Bouwers, Leona The, and Tobias Stauffer reflect on t

This past year, PYPO musician and Mt. Lebanon student Peter Atwood composed an original work for French horn quartet. After sharing the piece with his band director at Mt. Lebanon High School, Mr. Brett McCutcheon, Peter was given the unique opportunity to premiere the work alongside fellow student musicians during the school’s Small Band Ensemble Concert this January. The experience inspired him to turn this work into his very first full orchestral work. When Peter’s family

Dear PYPO students, families, and colleagues, I am delighted to reach out to you as the new Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (PYPO). I feel a deep sense of responsibility to carry the momentum of PYPO’s 33rd season forward. I am enthusiastic to work alongside our staff and board as we continue to build upon decades of service to the young musicians and families of this community. When I joined PYPO in August as Membership and Operations Coordi