She tells us about her experience in this ensemble, why she chose MSM, and her hopes and dreams for the future.Â
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sophia Filippone is a performer, teacher, and a strong advocate for equity in the arts. Sophia began her studies at the Mannes School of Music and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree in French Horn Performance at the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Michelle Baker.
Sophia: This concert has pieces by Wagner, Stravinsky, and Williams. It is very contrasting in color, style and has many different textures being created throughout the orchestra. I have really enjoyed being in this cycle due to its beauty in sound color. The long phrases that grow in intensity are emotional and special. We are extremely lucky to sit in the middle of the orchestra because you get to experience a well-balanced and blended sound filling the entire hall.
Sophia: This year has been very different, challenging, yet awesome. I am a transfer Junior, so it is my first year at MSM and, despite being in the middle of a pandemic, I absolutely love it so far. Taking online classes is not something anyone has wanted, but I have been able to take on some collaborations and opportunities I would never have been able to do otherwise. This challenging year has opened a new door to performing, allowed me to explore and do some personal research, and has helped me realize my personal growth.
Sophia Filippone (BM '22, French Horn Performance)
Sophia: The community at MSM is really wonderful. I’ve met some incredible people who are insanely talented and I know will be some of my lifetime-long friends. Due to MSM’s close-knit quality, it is so easy to find new opportunities, experiences, and even new collaborations. The students and faculty are very approachable and accepting, so it is a great environment to thrive and improve during your educational journey.
Sophia: Currently, I am a Mentee in the Orchestra of St. Luke’s Pre-Professional Mentorship Program and am working on our culminating performance project. I am preparing for a handful of other performances and recordings that are due or scheduled within the next month. On a more personal level, I am working on building a studio of my own and have been working toward becoming more fluent in the Italian language.
“Due to MSM’s close-knit quality, it is so easy to find new opportunities, experiences, and even new collaborations. The students and faculty are very approachable and accepting, so it is a great environment to thrive and improve during your educational journey.” Sophia Filippone BM '22, French Horn Performance
“Due to MSM’s close-knit quality, it is so easy to find new opportunities, experiences, and even new collaborations. The students and faculty are very approachable and accepting, so it is a great environment to thrive and improve during your educational journey.”
Sophia Filippone
BM '22, French Horn Performance
Sophia: Some of my favorite aspects of studying horn at MSM are working with the knowledgeable faculty, participating in masterclasses, being in ensembles with my colleagues, and getting to make music with my brass quintet. I’ve really enjoyed making music with my colleagues, specifically my quintet, because we have a ton of fun while working hard to ensure we all get the best learning experience possible. Being at MSM has allowed me to surround myself with people who are as passionate about music as I am. I’ve learned a lot and my experiences have been unforgettable. All this to be said, I would not be here without my private teacher, Michelle Baker, who I’m so grateful for. She is the reason I have become the musician I am today and one of the highlights of studying at MSM.
Sophia: Â One of my personal dreams is to play second horn with a major orchestra in the United States or Europe. I also have a huge passion for teaching and that is something I do not want to stop. I truly believe that music is something that can change a person’s outlook on life, and even heal emotional wounds. I hope that our society, especially during times of crisis, can use music as a healing tool. As a musician, one of my goals is to reach my audience members emotionally and to take them on a journey through an imaginative world I am communicating through my instrument.
Benjamin Grow (MM ’16), Conductor
APR 23 | 12:15 PM EDT
Manhattan School of Music Neidorff-Karpati Hall 130 Claremont Avenue New York, New York 10027
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