Meet the Musicians #4
Meet Sophie Curtis: Virtuoso Cellist, and Founder and Program Director of the WA Young Artist Chamber Music Program.
Photo by Nik Babic.
At the heart of Cygnus Arioso’s vision is fostering the young generation of musicians who put their heart and soul into becoming a professional musician.
So we couldn’t wait to hear from Sophie Curtis, founder and director of WAYACHAMP: WA Young Artists Chamber Music Program. Sophie has had a varied and broad career in music, from playing in symphonic concerts to operas, and even taking her talents overseas on tour! She shares with us her journey and the amazing opportunities she’s had as a result of following her passion.
CA: You’ve had an eclectic career, from playing with WASO, to touring overseas. Can you elaborate on the life of a freelance musician who has so many opportunities before them?
Sophie: I consider myself fortunate to have had a career with so much variety. From one day to the next I could be playing classical chamber music in a concert hall and then the next day performing in an orchestra to a crowd of thousands, then the next day play in a 100 year old church in the outback. I really enjoy playing across a variety of genres and with many different people – it ensures constant musical growth and enjoyment.
CA: Your Master’s degree was in Baroque Cello at UWA. How did this differ from a standard performance degree on the cello?
Sophie:The degree was 50% research and 50% performance, which included a lecture recital and recital. Both the performance aspects and the research led me to Europe, where I was able to immerse myself in the baroque world. Being a Masters degree, the topic was quite specific, focusing on a Neapolitan cellist (nicknamed “Franciscello”) and the impact of two sonatas that he composed on the style of cello playing at the time.
CA: You perform frequently with Freeze Frame Opera, often accompanying singers with sometimes lavish vocal lines. How does this differ from playing in a concert? Are there challenges involved in playing in an opera?
Sophie: Playing with Freeze Frame has converted me into an opera lover! There are definitely challenges and it is unlike other ensembles I play in, which is also why I love it. Bringing the score to life with my Trio Tiramisu bandmates Tommaso and Cathie is really fun and there have been some incredibly poignant and beautiful moments in our productions which I will remember forever. The main challenge I would say is the flexibility in tempo, especially in Puccini – no 2 bars are ever the same tempo! Luckily Tommaso and I have been playing together for over 20 years so it comes together quite easily!
CA: You founded WAYACHAMP, an incredibly successful music program for aspiring musicians that has nurtured the talent of hundreds of aspiring musicians, reaching as far as Kununurra! Do you remember the moment in your career that inspired you to start this incredible initiative?
Sophie: WAYACHAMP is incredibly important to me and I have dedicated the majority of the last decade to its growth. I’m so passionate about the benefits of chamber music playing at all levels of a musician’s journey, from the very beginner to the amateurs who can still play in their 80s! My inspiration at the start came about because I had benefitted so much from string quartet playing in my tertiary years, and I wanted to give high school students who were heading towards a musical career an opportunity to have a ‘head start’ in this area. I now know that anyone who has a little experience on a string instrument can benefit from playing chamber music and have students as young as 7 very keen to start!
CA: You will be playing Maurice Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Cello, a piece from the Romantic Era. Does playing a duet or solo piece mean you express yourself differently with your instrument?
Sophie: There is something quite intimate about a duet, and this one is no exception with lovely conversational moments, but you would also be forgiven for thinking there were more than just 2 instruments in some parts. I give 100% of myself whenever I play any music and know Akiko does as well, so I’m really looking forward to performing it together.
CA: What advice do you have for anyone wishing to have a career in music?
Sophie: Take advantage of all opportunities as you never know where they may lead you. Don’t compromise on quality. Consider yourself as a person first, and take time for personal development and adventure as this will make you a better and more balanced musician!
Sophie Curtis will be performing in Cygnus Arioso’s Chamber Music Weekend on the 24th June 2023. Tickets are on sale now.