Music is a totally universal language - Q&A with Horizon Artist & saxophonist Sophia Elger

Q&A with Sophia Elger

We caught up with Horizon Artist Sophia Elger to chat about challenging traditions and her inspiration from visual art

“Captivating, exciting, and engaging”
— Richard Ingham

Sophia Elger, saxophone

Sophia Elger, saxophone

“There is something about playing the saxophone that allows me to fully express myself and makes me want to share my music with others.”
— Sophia Elger

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Aria by Eugene Bozza - Sophia Elger, saxophone

“Music is a totally universal language. When meeting musicians for first time, there is an inherent and effortless bond because we share a passion for music.”

— Sophia Elger

Concertina de Camera - Sophia Elger, saxophone

“For me, prioritising my own general health has transformed my playing in a positive way. ”

— Sophia Elger

Q&A

How would your friends describe you?

The other day one of my friends very poetically described me as “down to earth with a sprinkle of quirk”! I have also been described as inquisitive, passionate, and free spirited.

What are you reading at the moment?

I have a deep interest in the visual arts and I love to read artist biographies. At the moment, I am reading "The Lives of the Surrealists" by Desmond Morris.

What’s your most memorable performance?

Recently, I gave a performance of Jacques Ibert’s "Concertino da Camera" with orchestra, which was a totally thrilling experience. Another memorable performance was when I gave a recital at the Victoria and Albert Museum, which had a playful acoustic and an intimate audience.

Who or what inspires you?

When I was younger, I played piano and violin, but it was when I started the saxophone that I knew that I wanted to be a performer. There is something about playing the saxophone that allows me to fully express myself and makes me want to share my music with others.

What would you change about the industry?

I wouldn’t change the industry itself, but I would like to experiment with the environment that music is performed in, by challenging traditions. This is why I auditioned for DEBUT in the first place!

…and what makes you love it?

Music is a totally universal language. I love the people in the industry. When meeting musicians for first time, there is an inherent and effortless bond because we share a passion for music.

Song everyone should listen to?

Of course, there are many, but one that I would choose would be The Köln Concert Pt.I by Keith Jarrett.

Any performance tips?

Everyone has their own approach to performing. The tip that I would give would be to think about one’s sense of presence. I aim to connect with the musicians I am performing with and to offer the energy out to the audience.

What’s tough about being a musician?

For me, prioritising my own general health has transformed my playing in a positive way. I am the primary instrument and the saxophone is my secondary instrument. I love being busy with engagements and would not change a thing, but occasionally it is difficult to maintain any injuries and lead a balanced life.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?

I would be a visual artist.

How would you turn a performance into an experience?
I would design a simulating environment. Implementing the correct lighting and visual effects into a performance would transform it into an all-encompassing experience.

Follow Sophia: Instagram | Youtube

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