Sophia Shao, a junior at Strath Haven High School, began playing piano at the age of eight under the instruction of Ms. Tatyana Mykhaylova. She won first prize in Golden Key Music Festival and performed at Carnegie Hall. She has also been awarded first prize at the Triumph Music Festival numerous times, winning the chance to perform at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. In addition to the piano, Sophia studies the violin with Ms. Leah Kim-Tomilson, where she has achieved first prize at various festivals, played as a soloist with orchestras and at Carnegie Hall, and participated in prestigious youth orchestras, including the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.
At school, Sophia is concertmaster and has accompanied school ensembles and performances on the piano as well. Outside of music, she enjoys playing tennis and participating in Speech and Debate.
Watch Sophia Shao perform Concerto No. 4 in D Minor, Op.31, 1. Andante Moderato by Henri Vieuxtemps on the violin for the 2024 Classical Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.
Watch Sophia Shao perform Ballade No. 3 in A-Flat Major, Op.47 by Chopin for the 2026 International Piano Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.