Sophie Shao is the Co-Head of our String Department and is a well established Cellist. We were able to chat with her about her musical career and get to know her on a personal level.
What is the Most Memorable Part of Your Career?
There are a lot of memorable moments in my career, but ones that stand out are: having a lesson with Rostropovich, playing all 6 Bach Cello Suites in an afternoon concert, and working with composer Howard Shore on his new cello concerto.
What do you tell your young music students about preparing for a competition or performance?
Explore the music as fully as possible, and then have fun performing it!
How has teaching music changed since you were a young student or first started teaching?
Teaching is more hands-on now then it was before, when I was a student. There is definitely more explaining going on and teachers strive to be more approachable and helpful than the authoritarian teaching of the past. I've improved a lot since I first started teaching.
What is your favorite thing about the Curtis Institute of Music?
The intimate and warm atmosphere, and Wednesday afternoon teas.
Rapid Fire Questions;
When I was 16……I was still in high school.
People would be surprised to know….I have a very musical cat, who loves Bach most of all, but also Beethoven and Brahms.
Favorite things about Philadelphia? The terrific restaurants, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Shiao Lun Kung
Favorite place to eat in Philadelphia? Shiao Lun Kung.
Favorite thing to do besides music? Cook.
Favorite TV Show? Mad Men and the Good Wife and the BBC Planet Earth series.
