Eyal Allen is a 16-year-old violinist and violist living in Philadelphia, and is a rising senior at Friends Select. Eyal began his musical studies on the violin at age seven, growing up in a musical family with two professional musician parents. He made his solo debut at 11 with the Rehovot Youth Orchestra, and has since returned to perform as a soloist with the ensemble on numerous occasions.
Eyal studies with Kerri Ryan of The Philadelphia Orchestra and is a Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth (PMAY) Artist. He performs with the Youth Chamber Orchestra at Temple Music Prep and the Huxsoll Quartet, finalists in the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition, and plays viola in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.
Eyal has received recognition from the Ministry of Education of Israel and is involved with the Jerusalem Music Center’s program for gifted young musicians. He is a scholarship recipient of the American-Israel Cultural Foundation and a recipient of the Springboard Grant from the Bruce Montgomery Foundation. Eyal also won first place in the senior division of the Philadelphia International Music Festival Concerto Competition.
This summer, Eyal will attend the Yellow Barn Summer Festival and Morningside Music Bridge as a violist. Outside of music, Eyal is a starting pitcher on his school’s varsity baseball team.
10 Questions with Eyal Allen:
1. Can you share a little about your background and what first sparked your interest in music?
My parents first got me into music. They’re both classical musicians, and as a result, music has always been part of the family and my life. I started playing violin when I was seven as a result of wanting to be like my dad, and started playing viola through chamber music during the 2024-2025 school year. My mom loves to tell the story of how I would always kick her while I was in the womb and she was playing cello, so music really has always been an interest of mine in some way, I guess.
2. How would you describe the roles of the violin and viola in an orchestra?
The roles of the violin and viola are pretty different in an orchestra. The first violins have some sort of melody pretty consistently, but the second violins and violas are often referred to as the inner voices of the orchestra. They provide harmonies and support the first violins. The violas, in terms of register, are closer to the cellos than the violins. They are very similar to an alto section in a choir.
3. What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as a musician so far?
Being able to be in such an amazing chamber music group is definitely up there. I was a part of the Huxsoll Quartet through Temple Music Prep, and that experience really broadened my horizons of chamber music.
4. What is your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
My favorite thing about Philadelphia would have to be the sports teams. I’ve been a Phillies fan for as long as I can remember, and being surrounded by people as passionate as I am about sports is something I don’t take for granted.
5. How do you balance your musical pursuits with other commitments in your life?
I like playing baseball and guitar as well as the viola, and finding that balance is a constant struggle that I face. I think that it is possible to balance other commitments outside of the viola if you manage your time well. It’s such a privilege to be able to play music and be surrounded by people who play music. Balancing your time is just an aspect that has to happen in order to get everything done.
6. Can you describe the differences in tone and sound between a violin and a viola?
The violin is often the melody line; it soars above the other instruments in an ensemble. The viola is more of the crossbridge between the cellos and the violins. The viola is often overlooked, but when it’s not, it can offer a beautiful and unique tone that’s independent to itself. The viola is much more earthy and sounds like a human voice, much more than a violin ever could. If we look at an orchestra in pizza terms, the cellos and basses are the crust, violin is the toppings, and viola is the sauce.
7. What do you enjoy most about playing in a string quartet?
In a string quartet, every voice is unique. Yet together you have the ability to create something that wouldn’t be possible with any chamber music structure. Being in a string quartet also teaches you how to be a better musician and a better person. You learn to negotiate musical disagreements, balance your own voice, and really listen to each other. Unlike in an orchestra, there isn’t a conductor, and that allows for more freedom of interpretation, and the process of developing an interpretation feels a lot more democratic than in an orchestra.
8. Can you describe a challenge you’ve faced in your musical journey and how you overcame it?
A challenge I faced very recently was fracturing my left wrist and spraining my right. I was on my way back from a school baseball game I had played in, and the front wheel of my bike just collapsed. My left arm was put in a cast, and I couldn’t play viola for three weeks. For a while, I didn’t know what to do, but eventually I found things I could practice even without actually playing. Close listening to pieces and overall mental practice really helped me during that time, and when I eventually got back to playing, I had gained a lot of motivation to practice. I now don’t take playing for granted because I saw that it can be taken away so quickly.
9. How do you approach preparing for a new piece or performance?
Slow and focused practice has been the most consistent method. In learning a new piece, I try to find my own interpretation and educate myself about the historical context of it, and only then do I find a recording. Listening to a recording of a new piece can be helpful, but developing your own interpretation is important if you want to have something to say. In preparing for a performance, I like to record my playing and listen back to the recording. It can be surprising how many previously unnoticed flaws can appear just by listening to your own recording.
10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on your instrument?
Have fun! It seems so obvious, but it’s an aspect of playing that a lot of musicians don’t prioritize. Music is such an amazing thing to be able to do and share with the world, and it can be really fun to make. Exploring different genres can be a great way to get excited about playing music, and the more excited you are about music you’re playing, the better! Viola often gets a lot of hate, but it’s really such a wonderful and underrated instrument. The more pride you take in playing it, the better. Also, go practice!
Eyal's Recommended Playlist:
