2017 Awardee: Sophie Williams
“My award will allow me to focus on shaping myself and my future to become the musician I aspire to be...I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Arts Awards for making my dream possible!”
Biography
Born in Edinburgh, Sophie Williams began learning violin at the age of three. In 2009 she gained a place at St. Mary’s Music School, where she proved herself to be an outstanding violinist and a highly sensitive musician. She won a host of chamber music and string prizes, as well as several medals from the Edinburgh Competition Festival.
A keen ensemble player, Sophie has performed widely throughout the UK including several concerts in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She has played an active role in the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, and was invited to perform at the BBC Proms with the Symphony Orchestra.
Sophie has a formidable work ethic and has demonstrated excellent leadership qualities. She has been a leader of the NYOS Senior Orchestra, and throughout her final year at St. Mary’s led the school’s orchestra and string ensembles.
In 2016, Sophie successfully attained places at four music conservatoires around the UK. She chose to continue her studies at the prestigious Royal College of Music, London.
How the Award Helped
Sophie’s award provided support for her studies at the Royal College of Music, affording her the freedom to fully apply herself to developing her exceptional skills as a musician.
“My award will allow me to focus on shaping myself and my future to become the musician I aspire to be...I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Arts Awards for making my dream possible!”