February 14, 2025Strings
Sophia Bartlette (Lead Violin)
Sophia Bartlette is a violinist, conductor, educator and creative producer whose work spans orchestral and chamber music, arts education and interdisciplinary projects. She is the founder of Dynamic Strings, bringing musicians together through innovative workshops and chamber music courses. Alongside performing and conducting, she develops and produces creative projects connecting music, visual art and other disciplines.
How long have you played with SSO, and what do you enjoy most about being part of the orchestra?
I first guest-led SSO over 15 years ago and have been its leader for the past six years. There’s a real joy in making music together, with a wonderful mix of ambitious repertoire and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. And of course, no rehearsal would be quite the same without Elizabeth’s legendary break-time cakes!
What first inspired you to take up the violin?
I don’t actually remember choosing the violin — one was put into my hands when I was two, and my mother taught me to play. I learnt to read music before I could read words, so I suppose music has always been my first language!
What place does music have in your life beyond SSO?
Music runs through pretty much every part of my life. I love all the different facets of being a musician, from performing and conducting to teaching and bringing people together through music. But it’s not all classical — I love going to band gigs with my daughter, and I make playlists for just about every mood and occasion. I can’t really imagine a life without music.
Finn Curry (Lead Viola)
Finn studied viola at Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating with a BMus (Hons) in Performance. He now works full-time as a Re-Recording Mixer – mixing documentaries and drama shows for TV – and very much enjoys returning to his roots as a violist with the Sussex Symphony Orchestra.
How long have you played with the SSO, and what do you like most about being part of the orchestra?
I’ve been playing with SSO for about four years, initially joining as a rank-and-file viola player before becoming section leader two years ago. I love the camaraderie, the fun and, above all, the joy of making music together. There’s something very special about being part of an orchestra and bringing beautiful music to life with a group of like-minded people.
What first inspired you to take up the viola?
I actually started out on the violin at the age of three (as do so many violists), but found my true calling, moving to the viola when I was ten, as my teacher was a violist. I went on to study with Rivka Golani at Birmingham Conservatoire, and the viola has been a part of my life ever since. I love the sound of the instrument – it’s so mournful and understated – and also it’s position very much in the centre of the orchestra, where you experience the orchestra in a really beautiful, balanced way.
What place does music have in your life beyond the SSO?
Music (and sound) is everything to me. I work in a music-adjacent industry - so am constantly editing and listening to music - and listen to all sorts of music constantly, go to concerts and also play with friends and my children. It is such an important thing to love music; I can’t imagine life without it.
Margaret Swiatowska (Lead Cello)
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Chris Antram (Lead Bass)
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