Sophia Academy students recently shared a unique opportunity to meet Quinn Mason, a visiting composer at the Rhode Island Philharmonic, engaging in conversation to learn about his journey as a 26-year-old Black composer and conductor.
Now an internationally published and celebrated musician, Mason offered his personal story as a young man of color in the classical music field, and encouraged students to remain humble no matter their level of success. Students and faculty were delighted to be treated to an improvisational piano performance by Mason, at the request of a student. Later, many of the students attended the Philharmonic’s season opening performance that featured Mason’s work, "A Joyous Trilogy."
“It has been an honor to work with Sophia Academy in our multi-year partnership…Music is now a part of the fabric of the Sophia experience…with classes ranging from general music to ethnomusicology to various ensembles. Both Sophia and the RI Philharmonic are committed to removing opportunity gaps for students through excellent programing grounded in social justice, which makes for a special partnership,” said David Beauchesne, Executive Director of the RI Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School.
Sophia Academy students with RI Philharmonic visiting composer Quinn Mason (center).