Sophia Mitchell (2019) wins prestigious music prize

Sophia Mitchell (2019) and her musical partner Jamie Wilson combined their talents to take out the University of Tasmania’s Ossa Music Prize and People’s Choice Award for 2022. This includes prize money and an all-expenses paid tour around Tasmania.

The duo impressed the judges with their amalgamation of French horn and percussion (specifically vibraphone, marimba and junk percussion) in a chamber ensemble not commonly seen.

Sophia has always had a passion for music, learning to play the French horn at age eight and playing the piano and singing in choirs from a young age. She continued her musical endeavours throughout high school, playing with school and community bands and orchestras across greater Sydney. Sophia also received first place prizes in advanced HSC music subjects and was the recipient of the Dame Joan Hammond Music Award.

Now at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Conservatorium, Sophia enjoys studying under Greg Stephens, principal horn player of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and is a member of the TSO Chorus and the UTAS Brass Quintet.