Baker Artist Portfolios

Sonya Knussen, a singer and a beacon of innovation in music education and performance, embodies a multifaceted career that spans across vocal performance, teaching, and advocacy for accessible music education through her leadership role at Go Compose North America. Her profound musical lineage, being the daughter of renowned composer and conductor Oliver Knussen and BAFTA award-winning producer and music educator Sue Knussen, has profoundly influenced her artistic and pedagogical pursuits.

Sonya’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians is evident in her role as the founder and Artistic Director of Go Compose North America. This program offers young composers workshops designed to make music creation accessible to a wider audience. Sonya emphasizes nurturing each student’s unique musical voice, empowering them to explore their creativity freely and confidently.

Her performance repertoire is extensive and diverse, currently including ensemble work with the Emmanuel Choir at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Baltimore and singing regularly with the ensemble at the Baltimore Basilica. Sonya has also performed as a soloist with prominent ensembles such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Washington Bach Consort. Her contributions to the musical community extend to various educational institutions, where she has shared her expertise and passion for music with students of all ages.

Sonya’s blog offers insights into her musical reflections and experiences, further showcasing her dedication to her craft and her role as an educator and mentor. Her work has not only enriched the lives of her students but also made significant contributions to the broader musical landscape, advocating for diversity and inclusion within the arts.