MHS Junior Accepted into Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford High School junior Ivy Eliopoulos started off his school year with incredible news: he had been accepted into the highly selective Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra as a cello player.

Ivy said he initially auditioned just for the experience and that he hoped to be accepted as a senior. After two auditions, including one at the conductor’s home, he found out he was one of a small group of cellists selected from dozens of others.

“It’s unbelievable to be part of something so much bigger than myself,” he said.

Ivy, who has been playing the cello since the fifth grade, credits Medford Public Schools music teachers Ms. Chang and Mr. Szykniej for “helping medford kids cultivate their talent.”

“He’s talented, conscientious, very motivated,” said Mr. Szykniej. “He’s a big asset to the orchestra as a student leader.”

“At a young age, Iverson possessed an unusual sensitivity to music,” said Ms. Chang. “It brings such a pleasure to know his continuous progress in high school. His acceptance to BPYO will certainly encourage many young musicians in Medford district to pursue musical excellence.”

Ivy’s proud father, Steve, urges parents to take advantage of Medford’s string program.

“..to anyone coming up through the Medford elementary public school system, take advantage of the amazing string program in this city, run by Ms. Chang and Mr. Szykniej. They are fabulous foundations and inspirations,” said Eliopoulos.

“…all I’ll say is that Joyce and I, and Stella, who herself is an excellent and talented violist, are all ‘wow’ed by Iverson’s musical accomplishments and knowledge he has built over even just the past three years,” said Eliopoulos, referring to Ivy’s mother and sister. “We are all super proud of him.”

The BPYO is free to the student musicians who are accepted and is supported by private donors. Ivy said he expects to perform internationally this summer, which BPYO members have previously done in Germany, Switzerland, and other countries. The student musicians also receiving mentoring and assistance from members of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. These students work hard for their perks; Ivy said he expects to practice every Saturday for four hours.

Several of the BPYO’s concerts are at Boston Symphony Hall and are free and open to the public. The first one is November 2 at 7:30 pm.