Koha's Young Talents | Sofia Asghari | Soprano | Open Podium

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In our short story series KOHA's YOUNG TALENTS, we speak with young talents who have performed or will perform on the KOHA stage. How did they feel about the concert? How did they come into contact with KOHA? Where do they find their motivation and inspiration?

In conversation with Sofia Asghari, soprano and 22 years old - KOHA's Young Talent at the Open Stage

Sofia first participated in the Open Stage in 2014. After Tatiana discovered her in 2013, she invited Sofia to perform at KOHA's Open Stage. Last year, in 2023, we had the pleasure of welcoming Sofia back to the OPEN STAGE. Now, nine years later, and a student at Folkwang University in Essen, Germany, Sofia is an inspiration for many young musicians who aspire to become professional artists. In conversation with KOHA, she talks about her passion for classical music, what music means to her, and her journey toward a career as an opera singer.

Hello Sofia! It’s great to speak with you again here. Could you perhaps introduce yourself to the readers and tell us who you are and what you do?

Hello :) Of course, I'd be happy to! I’m Sofia Asghari, a 23-year-old student at Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, where I express my passion for classical music.

What does music mean to you?

Music has always been an essential part of my life, from my earliest memories. At the age of four, I was already captivated by the enchanting voice of Pavarotti, which touched my heart and sparked my love for music. It was at eight years old, inspired by the virtuosity of Andre Rieu, that I took my first steps into the world of the violin.

And did you immediately start doing something with this passion and inspiration?

It wasn't until I was eleven years old that I discovered my true calling. A YouTube video of Diana Damrau performing the role of the Queen of the Night deeply moved me and revealed my hidden singing talent. I was immediately determined and started singing the aria, which surprisingly I was able to do. From that moment on, I knew my future lay in classical singing.

This is amazing! What a feeling it must have been to discover you had this talent 😃🙌 What did you do with this feeling, or rather, this calling?

I immediately started taking singing lessons, and after six months, the moment came: I decided to take the leap and auditioned for Holland's Got Talent. With a mix of excitement and determination, I stepped onto the stage and performed the aria of the Queen of the Night.

Not long after, I received an invitation from Tatiana Chevtchouk to participate in the Open Stage of Klassiek op het Amstelveld. Although I was nervous beforehand, those feelings vanished once I was on stage and could share my musical expression with a grateful audience.

How special! Tatiana, we’d love to hear from you: How did you discover Sofia, and what made you want to invite her?

In November 2013, Sofia participated in the show Holland's Got Talent. Her performance made a significant impression on the Dutch audience. A friend of mine drew my attention to her performance, which piqued my curiosity. A 12-year-old girl singing such a famous Mozart aria with such passion and power left an unforgettable impression on me. I was eager to present her to our audience and managed to track her down through RTL to invite her. It was remarkable that a girl of her age had such a love for opera—a genre not typically associated with children. And to reach that level after only six months of singing lessons! Sofia exceeded all expectations with her performance at the Open Stage of Klassiek op het Amstelveld in 2014. The audience adored her. From that moment on, our cherished friendship began, and I have proudly followed her career ever since.

That’s wonderful to hear! And Sofia, in retrospect, what would you say the Open Stage has meant for you?

The Open Stage has been invaluable in my life. It not only gave me the opportunity to share my musical expression with a grateful audience but also led to valuable friendships.

Very beautifully said. Finally, we’d like to know what inspires all the young talents and what their dreams are. Would you share this with us as well?

For me, music is more than just art; it is a unifying force that transcends cultures and brings hearts together. In a world full of division and conflict, I believe in the healing power of music, and I cherish the opportunity to contribute to a more peaceful world through my musical expression.

Thank you very much for this conversation, Sofia! We wish you continued success with your studies and hope to see you again soon 💜