Sophie Kou: Shining Bright on the Youth China Stage
Sophie Kou, the dazzling winner of the 2024 Youth China Campus TV Talent Selection, is a rising star with a voice that captivates and a stage presence that commands attention. Sophie Kou started her music journey with piano in kindergarten and passed ABRSM Piano level 8 with merit at age 12. She won several awards (1st to 3rd) at the San Mateo County Piano Competition and the Peninsula Piano Competition in 2016-2019. Her passion for music and her dedication to her craft have propelled her to the forefront of the Chinese music scene, and she is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
She started cello when she was 7, then joined the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra at 9 and is now in the Sinfonia division. Sophie is the principal cellist at her middle school chamber orchestra. This past summer, she won the first place award in the music category for her age group at the 19th Youth China competition in Beijing and the first place at the CCTV Art young Talent Selection of San Francisco Bay area.
Sophie has many years of experience in ballet, choir and musical performances. She served as a solo lead singer at her middle school musical and as a guest MC of an opening night event to an audience of over 3,000.
Sophie also loves painting. Her works won five awards in the 2023 American Scholastic Art and Writing Award competition, including silver awards in pencil drawing and in painting. She has participated in several designs of promotional posters and logos, and many of her illustrations have been featured in her school yearbook.
In an exclusive interview with Bigbang Artwork, Sophie shared her insights on her journey to stardom, her inspirations, and her dreams for the future.
Q: Sophie, congratulations on your incredible win at the Youth China Campus TV Talent Selection! How does it feel to be recognized as one of China’s most promising young talents?
Sophie: Thank you so much! It’s an incredible honor to be recognized in this way. I’ve always dreamed of performing on a big stage, and to be able to do that in front of such a supportive audience was truly magical.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Sophie: I had very early exposure to music, with ballet lessons and choir, along with orchestra. Music has always been a source of expression for me, and I’ve also met so many incredible people through our shared passion for music.
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy creating and performing?
Sophie: I don’t have much composition experience, but I love performing classical music. Recently, I’ve also taken an interest in jazz, and I’m hoping to be able to perform with a jazz ensemble one day.
Q: Who are your musical inspirations?
Sophie: I’m inspired by so many amazing artists. One of my biggest inspirations is the late British cellist Jacqueline Du Pre. I admire her raw emotion and incredible skill and I hope to emulate her playing someday.
Q: What advice would you give to young aspiring artists like yourself?
Sophie: Never give up on your dreams. Keep working hard, keep practicing, and never stop believing in yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people who will encourage you along the way. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey!
Q: What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Sophie: I hope to continue to grow as a performer and to collaborate with more incredible people. I dream of performing on even bigger stages and reaching even more people with my music. I also want to use my platform to inspire others and encourage them to pursue their dreams.
Dear Thea,
A thunderous applause for you! Your Kung Fu performance was absolutely breathtaking! Your skill and passion shone brighter than any firework, and we’re all so incredibly proud of you. Keep dazzling the world with your talent, Thea!
You inspire us all, and we’d be thrilled if you could join us at our upcoming events.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Best wishes,
Sophie Kou is a shining star with a bright future ahead of her. Her talent, passion, and dedication are sure to take her far into the world of music. We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
If you’re a student who is interested in pursuing a career in creative activity, be sure to check out our website/social media for more information.
Bigbang Artwork is proud to support Sophie Kou and all of the talented young artists who participated in the Youth China Campus TV Talent Selection. We are committed to helping these stars shine bright and achieve their dreams.
We are committed to helping these stars shine bright and achieve their dreams.
Subscribe📲 to our Newsletter to receive notifications when we publish new student interviews.