Franco-Dutch violist Sào Soulez Larivière is quickly building himself a thriving career as a versatile musician. Captivating audiences with his playing and original programming, he endeavours to broaden the accessibility and understanding of classical music.He is the winner of the 2023 Prague Spring Competition, as well as a top prizewinner of the Tokyo Viola Competition '22, Oskar Nedbal Viola Competiton '20, Max Rostal Competition '19, Cecil Aronowitz Viola Competition '17 and Johannes Brahms Competition '17. He has also been featured at numerous renowned academies such as the Verbier Festival, Gstaad Menuhin Festival, Ozawa Academy and IMS Prussia Cove.

Chamber music has always been at the heart of his musical upbringing, sharing his love for music with his sister, violinist Cosima Soulez Larivière, with whom he still frequently performs. Sào is a member of the Frielinghaus Ensemble, which released an acclaimed album in 2020, featuring sextets by Dvořák and Tchaikovsky. As a much sought after chamber musician, he has appeared at various festivals such as Festpiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Krzyzowa-Music Festival, and ‘Chamber Music Connects the World’ in Kronberg. 

An advocate for expanding the horizons of the viola repertoire, he enjoys arranging works for his instrument, as well as promoting contemporary music. Working with accomplished composers has offered him an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeper into the creative side of music. Notably, Sào received the prize for his interpretation of the commissioned work both at the Tokyo Viola Competition and the Max Rostal Competition.

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Sào Soulez Larivière

Sào Soulez Larivière talks about his selection for the Ambassador Programme through our partnership with the International Classical Music Awards (ICMA), his musical family, his inspirations and mentors, and how he approaches programming his concerts.

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Sào Soulez Larivière Interview

with Benjamin Woodroffe

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