Sofia Mekhonoshina

Russia

selected candidate

2026 CHENGDU INTERNATIONAL CLARINET COMPETITION

school affiliation

Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Sofia Mekhonoshina is a dedicated classical clarinetist currently pursuing her musical studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, UK. She is working towards a Master of Performance (LSO Orchestral Artistry) expected to be completed in 2027, under the guidance of Principal Professor Andrew Marriner, who has been her mentor since 2022. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Music with Honours in Classical Clarinet at the same institution, studying with Andrew Marriner and Michael Collins from 2020 to 2022. She also received her education at F. Chopin Moscow State Music College in Moscow, Russia, from 2011 to 2024, where she studied clarinet under Professor Evgeny Petrov, majoring in Musical Performer and Music School Teacher. Additionally, she has actively participated in master classes conducted by renowned clarinetists, including Alessandro Carbonare, Martin Fröst, Anthony McGill, and Pascal Moragues, continuously enhancing her musical skills.

Sofia has achieved remarkable success in numerous international and national music competitions. In 2025, she was awarded the Leverhulme Arts Scholarship and the Special Jury Prize (Clarinet) at the International Clarinet Competition of the municipality of Parc Hosingen. She won the First Prize at the Vienna International Music Competition in 2023, and in 2022, she obtained the Platinum Prize at the London Young Musician Competition and the First Prize at the London Classical Music Competition. Throughout her career, she has also secured multiple first prizes and grand prizes in competitions held in Russia, Portugal, Italy, and Bulgaria, as well as being a finalist in important events like the “Grand All-Russian Selection” of the Russian National Orchestra.

With rich performance experience, Sofia has performed as a soloist in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Musikverein Brahms Hall, Milton Court Concert Hall, Zaryadye Concert Hall, and the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. She has collaborated with renowned orchestras such as the Russian National Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of the Sofia Philharmonic, and the State Chamber Orchestra “Moscow Virtuosi”. She has also participated in various music festivals and events across Europe and Israel, including the Chamber Music Festival in London, the International festival “Musical Olympus” in St. Petersburg, and recorded a concert for BBC Radio 3, showcasing her versatility and artistic expression.