Sophie Shao, Cellist

News

Shao and Friends Demonstrate World-Class Artistry

“Shao and Cheng collaborated in a sensitive and nuanced treatment of Ruehr’s work”

“One has to marvel at the adroitness of Shao, Cheng and Zori when tackling this work—accepting all its eccentricities with confidence and dedication to preserving the composer’s unique expressiveness.”

By Andrew J. Glick, SLO Review: San Luis Obispo County’s Connection to Arts and Culture, November 2, 2025

https://sloreview.org/2025/11/02/shao-and-friends-demonstrate-world-class-artistry/

A Musical Playdate: Sophie Shao & Friends

“What gave the evening its power was not only the repertoire but the ensemble’s synergy. Shao’s playing is celebrated for its rich, resonant tone, but what stood out was her capacity to listen. Every glance, every held breath, every pause signaled attunement among the musicians, making this chamber music in its truest form: not a collection of solos, but a dialogue woven from trust and time.”

By Kiara Dookie, The Middlebury Campus, September 18, 2025

https://www.middleburycampus.com/article/2025/09/a-musical-playdate-sophie-shao-friends

The Layers, Herschel Garfein

Marnie Breckenridge, soprano; Sophie Shao, Dave Eggar, cello; John Blacklow, Michael Brofman, Thomas Bagwell, piano (AcisAPL92317; 57:19)

“Sophie Shao's playing of this piece borders on the miraculous. Her tone is unfailingly gorgeous and deeply expressive. Has anybody ever made a cello sing more beautifully than this? Pianist John Blacklow is with her every step of the way, as though the two of them were sharing one musical mind.”

By Gregory Berg, The Journal of Singing: National Association of Teachers of Singing, January/February 2024