About Me
Sophia Mackson is a Queensland-based violist, composer, advocate and educator. She completed her Honours year of her Bachelor of Music in 2023 at the University of Queensland, under the tutelage of the wonderful Professor Patricia Pollett.As a violist, Sophia actively plays and composes for the Sketch Ensemble based at UQ, which is led by Dr. Robert Davidson. She is involved with UQ's Pulse Chamber Orchestra, University of Queensland Symphony Orchestra and has been a finalist in the Sleath and Richard Pollet String Prizes at UQ.
Sophia has also been apart of Australian Youth Orchestra's National Music Camp, Opera Queensland's Festival of Outback Opera, Nonsemble, Victoria State Music Camp, NSW Regional Youth Orchestra etc. She received a Distinction last year for her Combined Exegesis and Final Viola Recital.Through her composing, Sophia has received mentorship through Ensemble Offspring's Hatched Home Academy in 2020 with Veronqiue Serret. As well, she has been awarded prizes through NSW State Shakespeare Carnival (2019), QMTA's Composition Competition (2024), Percy Brier Composition Prize (2022) and the Armidale Composition Eisteddfod (2019). Later this year, she will record her Viola duo "Centre" with violist Helena Burns to be released through Corella Recordings in mid 2025.Sophia has been interviewed by ABC Classic, ABC New England Northwest, and ABC Brisbane for her advocacy in classical music, particularly around being a musician and having ADHD. She has been lauded as a changemaker for those who are neurodivergent and have disabilities within the classical music industry. She continues to be a strong advocate, with her podcast “On-the-spot” featuring people who work in the arts that are neurodiverse and have disabilities. Sophia hopes to combine her skills with her experiences as a queer, genderqueer, and neurodivergent musician to create works that speak to a large audience and that evoke conversation.
Works
Below you can find my selection of works.For purchasing of scores, more information or to commission a new composition please use the Contact Page.
Centre
For Two Violas. Approximate Duration: 8 minutesThis work I composed in 2023 as a part of my Honours Recital. I was so lucky to be able to perform this work with the wonderful violist Helena Burns (pictured with me on the left) at that recital.This work explores the wide range of the viola through extended techniques, lyrical melodic lines and interwoven textures. This work is dedicated to my best friend Kristen Scott, as an homage to our long standing friendship.
How to Let Go
For Violin, Clarinet in Bb and Piano. Approximate Duration: 7 minutesI composed this work for Melbourne base ensemble Ellipsis Trio after hearing videos of their performances on Instagram. I contacted them after and the rest is history!I wrote this work at a time where I was asking myself how to let go of anxiety. I did not have the answer, but I feel that as humans we work towards this throughout life and it gets easier. I really wanted to encapsulate that feeling of longing but eventual resolve within this work.
Button to Ellipsis' Instagram below!
Revise
For Mixed Ensemble (string quartet, Double bass, Percussion, Vocals, Piano, Synth, Trombone, Trumpet in Bb, French Horn, Alto Saxophone, Flute). Approximate Duration: 10 minsWords by Emily WinterI wrote this piece for Sketch Ensemble at The University of Queensland, which I am part of as a violist. I loved this fantastic collaboration with Sketch and also poet Emily Winter. This work explores mixed meter and interjecting rhythms with lots of drive. This work can also be arranged for various different ensembles.
Button to Emily's Instagram below!
Continuance
For Mixed Ensemble (string quartet, Double bass, Percussion, Vocals, Piano, Trombone, Trumpet in Bb, Oboe, Flute). Approximate Duration: 8 minsWritten for Sketch Ensemble at The University of Queensland
Link to Performance Below
Continuance
For SATB (unaccompanied) Approximate Duration: 4 minsCurrently being workshopped.
Media and News
Below are links to some of my viola performances and news about the goings-on of my career
Link to Lento by Robert Davidson, Performed by Sophia Mackson and Alex Raineri
Click the link below to be redirected to my podcast!
