Sophia Shao, a freshman at Strath Haven High School, began playing violin at age of four under the instruction of Ms. Leah Kim-Tomilson. She has received first prize in a number of competitions and festivals, including Rising Talents Festival, Elite International Music Competition, and Crescendo International Music Competition. Furthermore, she has participated in orchestras and ensembles, such as Philadelphia Young Artist Orchestra, Delaware County Youth Orchestra and Con Brio Trio. Sophia has also been studying piano for over six years with Ms. Tatyana Mykhaylova, awarding first prize in Golden Key Music Festival and Triumph Music Festival. She has performed both violin and piano at Carnegie Hall and Academy of Music.
At school, Sophia is a concertmaster of her school orchestra, and has played piano for both the jazz band and pit orchestra. Additionally, she is an active member of the Science Olympiad team, Speech and Debate, Reading Olympics, and numerous other school clubs. While not playing music, she enjoys reading, playing tennis, and oil painting.
You can find Sophia’s 2024 Classical Music Competition violin performance here.