A Message From PYPO's New Executive Director, Dr. Eftihia Arkoudis

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 Coordinator, I was at a crossroads. As a self-employed performer, educator, and arts entrepreneur, with over a decade teaching in higher education, and experience working across the nonprofit and for-profit arts sectors in the United States, I was facing a pivotal decision: whether to move to Pittsburgh to continue my work here, or return to Greece to be closer to my family. Serving PYPO’s young musicians and their families over these past few months, and being entrusted so quickly with leading the organization, has made it clear to me that this is where “home” is.

I was 24 when I made the deliberate decision to step away from a stable career in science and commit my energy fully to music, simply because that is where my heart was. This pursuit took me to Austria and the United States, where I completed both my master’s and doctoral degrees in flute performance at West Virginia University. As a flutist, I have performed in beautiful venues in Europe and the US. I collaborated with extraordinary artists, brought entrepreneurial ideas to life, and through faculty and staff roles I mentored students at Frostburg State University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Between 2021-2024, I held a nonprofit leadership role, serving as Director of WVU’s Community Music Program, an extra challenge being posed here by the inherent difficulties of the post-pandemic revitalization.

This showed me how engaging with the arts from a young age shapes individuals who are prepared to lead with purpose. Music instills responsibility, respect, and the skills of coordination and collaboration. Learning to move in synergetic flow, whether in small ensembles or full orchestras, forms friendships and communities beyond the stage. This is the value PYPO brings. Through joy and accessibility, PYPO encourages young musicians to evolve as they keep the arts at the center of what inspires them. Family support makes all the difference. This is a long-term investment in today’s youth that returns tenfold in the generations to follow.

I would like to express my gratitude to Cameron Gunsbury-Massey, our former Executive Director, a bright light in the arts world. He was a joy to work with and I wish him a heartfelt farewell as he moves on to greater opportunities. I am thankful to our Board of Directors, especially Board President Lisa Stauffer, for guiding a swift and thoughtful transition to ensure continuity and care for our community. Since September, I have had the opportunity to observe our ensemble directors – Christina, Erica, Patrick, Kevin, and Scott – in action. Their passion and dedication over the years is PYPO’s legacy that we stand on today.

We have much to look forward to in the 2025–26 season. Our upcoming concerts in February and April, PYPO’s Summer Camp in June, and our July concert tour in Italy will keep us on our toes as we prepare to excel even more in the next season.

I am looking forward to working with you all. The best is ahead of us!

Dr. Eftihia Arkoudis

Executive Director

Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra

info@pypo.org

(412) 522-3864