Sophia S. Lee

Sophia S. Lee, 16, is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a current student of Gretchen Van Hoesen, Principal Harpist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. She was the first prize winner of the 2013 American Harp Society National Competition in Los Angeles, 2012 International Young Artist’s Harp Competition in Georgia, and 2010 and 2012 Duquesne Young Artist National Competitions. As the grand prize winner of the 2013 National Young Musicians Showcase Competition in New Jersey, Sophia made her harp debut at Carnegie Hall in NYC. As the winner of several concerto competitions in 2014, she performed the Glière Harp Concerto in E-flat Major with the Butler Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra and Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) at Heinz Hall and Dvořák Hall, Prague, Czech Republic. Sophia was a featured soloist at the 9th USA International Harp Competition’s Stars of Tomorrow in Indiana, and on NPR’s From the Top.  She was selected to perform at the 2014 World Harp Congress in Sydney, Australia. A harpist of the PYSO, Sophia has participated in numerous chamber ensembles and master classes with Nancy Allen, Heidi Van Hoesen Gorton, Claire Jones, Bridget Kibbey, and Sivan Magen. She has also performed at numerous charitable and community outreach events especially educating younger students about harp and classical music. Sophia also enjoys traveling with her family, reading, building robots, and playing golf.