Artist Spotlight: Phoebe Goh

Phoebe Goh

Piano, violin

Age: 17
School: Olympia High School
Teacher: Ramona Allen

Phoebe is the winner of the Olympia Music Teachers Association (OMTA) 2025 Concert Competition Advanced B Division.

She will be featured as a soloist at our February Concert Revolution, on February 22, 2026, where she will be performing last movement of Moritz Moszkowski’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in E major.

Biography

Phoebe Goh, age 17, resides with her family in Olympia, where she has cultivated a deep love for music from a young age. She began piano lessons at the age of five and, over the years, has earned numerous accolades, including first prize in the Advanced A Division twice. This year, under the guidance of Dr. Ramona Allen, she is thrilled to receive first prize in the Advanced B Division.

Phoebe is excited to perform the Moszkowski Piano Concerto, a lesser-known yet remarkable work celebrated for its virtuosic demands and rich lyricism. This piece has challenged her both artistically and technically, and she is delighted to share this vibrant and expressive concerto with the audience.

In addition to piano, Phoebe is an accomplished violinist and serves as concertmaster of the Olympia High School Chamber Orchestra. She has been a member of the ensemble for three consecutive years, contributing to its success as repeat state champions. Phoebe also shares her music through her involvement in her church’s worship group and as a student teacher, mentoring a young musician in their musical development, finding fulfillment in both leadership and collaboration.

Beyond music, Phoebe is an active student leader at Olympia High School, serving as class president for two years. She balances her school commitments with her studies as a Running Start student, working towards an associate degree in biology. Outside of her academic and musical pursuits, Phoebe enjoys exploring other forms of art, including watercolor painting, calligraphy, and sketching, which allow her to express her creativity in diverse ways.

More about phoebe

What piece are you performing with the orchestra, and what do you hope the audience feels when they hear it?

I am performing the fourth movement of Moszkowski’s Piano Concerto. In this movement. I hope the audience is moved by the contrast between its bold, energetic passages and its more lyrical moments. Above all, I aim to convey a sparkly, effervescent character, so the music feels fresh, playful, and engaging from beginning to end.

When did you start playing piano? What inspired you and why did you choose to continue?

I began playing the piano at the age of five. I was inspired by watching my brothers learn the instrument and wanted to take part in something they were doing. As they progressed in their musical journeys, I continued advancing alongside them, developing my own passion for the piano. Over time, music became something I genuinely enjoyed investing my time and energy in, and I chose to continue because I found fulfillment in immersing myself in the art and continually growing as a musician.

Are there any pianists or composers who inspire you?

Yes, both pianists and composers inspire me. While preparing the Moszkowski Piano Concerto, I learned that Moszkowski dedicated the work to Josef Hoffman, whose artistry deeply influenced the piece. Studying this connection has helped me better understand Moszkowski’s musical intentions and the virtuosic yet expressive character of the concerto.

Because the Moszkowski Concerto is a relatively lesser-known concerto, there are few recordings available. One interpretation that has especially influenced me is by Markus Pawlik. Listening to his performance has inspired me to explore different interpretations and approaches to the piece, encouraging me to think more creatively and thoughtfully about my own playing.

What role does music play in your life outside of performances?

Outside of formal performances, music plays an important role in my everyday life through my involvement in my church’s worship group, where I play piano monthly and occasionally perform on violin for special services. Through this role, I value the leadership and collaborative nature of ensemble music-making, which I find especially rewarding in contrast to the more soloistic nature of piano performance. Additionally, as a student teacher, I enjoy sharing my love of music by guiding younger students in their musical growth. Teaching has deepened my appreciation for music as a form of mentorship and connection, reinforcing its role not only as a performance art, but as a way to build community and inspire others.

Outside of music, what do you enjoy doing?

When I am not playing music, I enjoy exploring other forms of art, including reading, calligraphy, and crochet, which allow me to relax and express my creativity in different ways