Franco-Dutch violist Sào Soulez Larivière has quickly established himself as one of the most compelling musicians of his generation, captivating audiences through the personality of his playing, imaginative programming and commitment to broadening the horizons of classical music.
Named Young Artist of the Year 2023 by the International Classical Music Awards and selected as an ECHO Rising Star, he performed in some of Europe’s most prestigious concert halls during the 2024/25 season. His international career has also been shaped by remarkable competition successes: First Prize at the 2023 Prague Spring International Music Competition, alongside top prizes at the Tokyo, Oskar Nedbal, Max Rostal, Cecil Aronowitz and Johannes Brahms competitions.
Chamber music has always been central to his artistic life. He regularly performs with his sister, violinist Cosima Soulez Larivière, and is a member of the Frielinghaus Ensemble. A passionate advocate for expanding the viola repertoire, he creates his own arrangements and champions contemporary music, collaborating with composers including Fazıl Say, Olli Mustonen and Julia Wolfe.
Born in Paris in 1998, Sào began his musical journey as a violinist. While studying with Natasha Boyarsky at the Yehudi Menuhin School, he discovered the viola and chose to devote himself fully to the instrument. He later completed his bachelor’s degree under Tabea Zimmermann at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin and earned his master’s degree at Kronberg Academy, where he continues his Professional Studies.
Since autumn 2023, Sào Soulez Larivière has been Professor of Viola at Mozarteum University Salzburg. He plays a viola made by Frédéric Chaudière in Montpellier in 2013.
