Ian Ko

Ian Ko is a junior From Lakeridge High School in Portland, Oregon. He started playing cello when he was 7 years old and currently studies with Marilyn de Oliveira. As a former member of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, he was the winner of the MYS Concerto Competition in 2023. He now plays with the Portland Youth Philharmonic and is also a member of the Camerata Orchestra. In addition to his participation in PYP, he is the principal of his school orchestra. Ian was accepted into the OMEA High School All-State Orchestra in all three of his high school years. Ian is a back-to-back medalist in the State Small String Ensemble Contest, having placed runner up in 2023 and third place in 2024. He also placed third in the 2024 State Solo Contest. Ian has participated in the South Carolina Cello Choir as well as masterclasses from Benjamin Wyatt, David Ehlrich, and Zenas Hsu. He has also performed in a cello choir with members of the Oregon Symphony such as Seth Biagni, Ken Finch, and Kevin Kunkel. Outside of music, Ian loves to do puzzles, read, and hang out with friends.