A passionate advocate of contemporary music, she has performed with world-renowned artists such as the all-star ensemble Bang on a Can, Asko|Schönberg and Temko. Her professional dedication and commitment have led to collaborations with various composers including Michael Jarrell, Katharina Rosenberger, Manuela Kerer, Anthony Fiumara and Aart Strootmans. She has also performed several chamber music, orchestral and opera premieres, including the Dutch newcomer opera ‘Het spel’, Sekitei by Ryo Noda, short version of ‘Giorgio’ by Stephen Sondheim, etc. For Sonja, the fascinating thing about contemporary music is the entire process of creating this music. From the collaboration with the composers to talk to them about the music to letting their thoughts resound through the sounds of the saxophone and bringing the music of today closer to the audience.

As a chamber musician, Sonja has performed with the Amsterdam Sinfonietta and the Fontys Saxophone Ensemble for the Dutch Royal Family. Her infectious passion for chamber music and transdisciplinary performances has taken her everywhere from the Concertgebouw, the National Opera Amsterdam, the Brucknerhaus Linz, ‘Bunker H’ in Bolzano and other alternative performance venues to festivals such as the Bosch Parade, the Oranjewoud Festival, Festival Classique, Theaterboulevard, Opera Forward Festival, Grachtenfestival. As a versatile musician, she has collaborated with various circus artists, actors and dancers and participated in transdisciplinary performances as a saxophonist.

Sonja is a Légère Artist, Newzik Ambassador, winner of the Junior Grachtenfestival Pitch 2017 and winner of the Jacques de Leuw Prize 2020.

She studied in the Netherlands at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts Tilburg under the direction of Ties Mellema, Niels Bijl and Juana Palop, in Switzerland at the Zurich University of the Arts in the class of Lars Mlekusch and in Vienna at the University of Music and Performing Arts under Alvaro Collao Leon. Further studies included the Bad Homburg Masterclass in Germany, the Barcelona Modern Festival in Spain and more, with world-renowned saxophonists such as Claude Delangle, Arno Bornkamp, Jean-Denis Michat, John Sampen, Christian Wirth, Pawel Gusnar, Ryo Noda, Russel Peterson, Joan Marti Frasquier and others.

In addition to her musical activities, she is also active in cultural management, having completed a master’s degree in sports, culture and event management.

Sonja is also passionate about personal lifestyle development through mindfulness, nutrition, exercise and mental training.
This leads to her interest in holistic body & mind performance. She holds a certificate in Performing Arts Medicine from the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA).