Sophie Denhard is a double bassist from Seattle, Washington and a member and fellow of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for the 2026-27 Season. She attended Northwestern University studying under Andrew Raciti for her Bachelor’s degree, and received her Master’s from the Peabody Conservatory, studying with Nina DeCesare. She also studied extensively with Todd Gowers in the Seattle area.
Sophie has attended festivals such as the Sewanee Music Festival, WaBass at Honeywell Arts Academy, the National Orchestral Institute, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Sarasota Music Festival. Sophie has played in a variety of masterclasses during her studies, working with players including Kristen Bruya, Edicson Ruiz, Jeff Bradetich, Hal Robinson, Sam Suggs, Ranaan Meyer, and Robin Kesselman. She has played professionally with the Chattanooga Symphony, Seattle’s Orquesta Northwest, the Northwestern Baccalaureate Ensemble, and Northwestern’s Kellogg School Orchestral Seminar.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I’m excited to perform works by contemporary composers, and work with students through CSO Connect! I also look forward to learning from wonderful musicians within and outside of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra-becoming a part of the Chicago musical community alongside my peers is such a gift.
