Hometown:
London, United Kingdom
Education:
Boston University, Bachelor of Music (2024)
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Master of Music (2027)
Bio:
Sofia grew up in London, England, where she began playing the violin at 11 years old. She appeared as a soloist in front of the French Woods Festival Orchestra in 2018 and 2019. Sofia was the 2021 Winner of the Undergraduate Prize of the Boston University Bach Competition. Most recently, she participated in the Festival Internacional de Guadalajara, studying with professors including Rachel Barton Pine and Nancy Zhou.
What inspired you to become a musician?
Playing chamber music with my high school teacher made collaboration so inspiring: she showed me how alive music-making can be!
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Hearing Schoenberg’s Verklarte Nacht for the first time was an experience I’ll never forget. Same with the Ballada from Janáček Violin Sonata.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I started violin through my middle school’s music program – when applying, my first choice instrument was the trumpet! Then, percussion was second, and violin was third. It worked out in the end.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
My favourite things to do are flying trapeze, running, playing Rummikub, and hanging out with my dog.
Why did you choose the NRO?
What was so impressive to me about NRO was the sheer amount of repertoire we’ll get to cover throughout the summer. Through my education thus far, I’ve come to understand that nothing is as valuable as experience, and time: time spent understanding the music, and experience on the stage. NRO offers those valuable experiences, while getting to spend the summer in a beautiful place. I can’t wait for the festival to begin!