BIOGRAPHY

Sophia Mitchell is a Sydney based Mezzo-soprano. She studied the violin and viola before commencing training in classical singing at the age of 16. Sophia performed with choirs, vocal groups and as a soloist in concerts, winning and placing in competitions throughout primary and high school. She was given lead roles in school musicals and dramas from her first year of high school before commencing formal training.

After receiving her Associate Diploma in singing at the age of 19, Sophia began singing with the Sydney Philharmonia Symphonic Choir. She was later asked to sing with their Motet Choir, performing in such venues as London's Royal Albert Hall, Kings College Chapel, Cambridge, the Sydney Opera House and the City Recital Hall. Major performances with the choirs include the 2000 Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony, Barbara Streisand's 2000 Sydney Farewell Concert and the 2002 Birmingham and London Proms. She also had the opportunity to do a number of recordings with this choir.

Sophia was accepted into the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and received a Bachelor of Music in 2006. During her undergraduate degree she continued to sing with the Philharmonia Choirs and was also accepted into the Conservatorium Chamber Choir. Sophia joined an acting agency, enrolled in some short acting courses, and successfully aquired work as an extra and feature for films, commercials and television and had a lead role in a short film. In 2008 Sophia continued her studies, completing a Graduate Diploma at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

During this final year of study Sophia undertook her first operatic role with the lead role of Josephine in Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore. She also began performing with the Male Ku-ring-gai Choir as a guest artist and produced and performed in an operatic recital to support the Anglicare Christmas Appeal. Sophia was accepted as a music programmer for 2MBS and her programs can be heard by tuning to 102.5fm.

In 2009, Sophia performed the role of Gwendolen in Oscar Wilde's play, The Importance of Being Earnest, and the lead role of Miss Todd in The Old Maid and the Thief (Menotti). She sang in several concerts including Music for Easter at St Thomas' Church, North Sydney and Classics in the Cathedral at St Andrew's Cathedral. Sophia also produced and performed in Singing for Suppers to support the work of Anglicare.

Upcoming projects for 2010 include recording a recital of early music for an Australia Day broadcast on 2mbs and a series of concerts entitled Handel You Haven't Heard! with harpsichordist Chris Berensen and soprano Hannah Berensen. Also in 2010 Sophia will perform the role of Berta in The Barber of Seville (Rossini) for Rockdale Opera and will be engaged as a guest artist with the Ku-ring-gai Male Choir for a third consecutive year.

Sophia is involved in running the music at St Thomas' North Sydney where she also plays the violin and electric bass.