Meet Sophia Valle-Paz | Vocalist, Opera and Musical Theater Singer, Session Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophia Valle-Paz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophia, why did you pursue a creative career?
Before I began doing gigs, I used to sing for myself. There was no meaning behind it, I just had a pretty voice so why not? Once I began to perform for audiences, I realized the impact I have on people when I share my gift. I recently got called to do a gig in Big Bear for a celebration of life. I will be honest – I was dreading the drive but, having the opportunity to sing for these moments is such an honor, I couldn’t say no. The couple who called me to sing were the loveliest. I walked into the room where I would be singing and quickly realized how small this group would be. There were very few chairs set up in this tiny room by the lake. There were 25 people in a room all sharing a mutual friend, celebrating her life. It was nothing I had ever seen before. This gig changed the meaning of my career. When I sing I always make an effort to look my audience members in the eyes, so they know that I am here with them and for them. I am able to connect with them in a more meaningful way when I do so. There was something so special about this group. Although everyone was crying, I saw them all smile when I began to sing. I was able to give them a feeling of peace during such a hard time. Why wouldn’t I want to give that to people? Music has always provided me with an escape within myself. Being able to provide this for others is something really special.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
From a very young age, my mom would bring my sisters and I to a local theater called “The Glendale Center Theater.” We would all get dressed up to go watch a musical. Some of my favorites were, “West Side Story”, “Footloose,” and our annual tradition of seeing “A Christmas Carol” during the holidays. These spectacular performances are what got me into performing. I loved the singing, dancing and of course the costumes! I was always a choir kid in school and everyone knew it. I won every single choir and fine arts award you could think of because I devoted my life to it. However, it was not until college that I began taking voice lessons. This was when my passions took a slight turn. I am currently enrolled at California State University, Northridge as a music major with a focus in vocal performance. This was the best path for me as opposed to a musical theater degree because I really wanted classical training. Next thing I know, I am performing lead roles in school operas. I never saw myself singing in operas, but I now see myself pursuing a career as a crossover performer between the two styles. Along with my performances with CSUN Opera, I have also had the opportunity to do studio recordings with CSUN’s Studio Ensemble at “The Nest by Chapters”. This class has given me an opportunity to expand my repertoire and sing music from all sorts of genres. I have a studio recording of my solo on “Le Festin” from Ratatouille on the way, that was arranged by one of my dear friends and peers at CSUN, Alex Coppinger. This class is the reason that I began performing side gigs at weddings, celebrations of life and other events. These gigs have helped put my name out there little by little which I am very grateful for. Although my career is only just beginning, I have many things planned that I cannot wait to accomplish!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
LA is full of things to do! If you’re looking to go shopping and get some good food, I recommend The Americana in Glendale, CityWalk in Universal City or The Grove. If you love hiking, I recommend the Wisdom Tree hike and/or hiking to the Hollywood Sign. The two trails connect to one another so you can do both on the same day if you’re feeling ambitious. If you love amusement parks, Six Flags in Valencia is so worth it. Of course visiting LA, you also have to go to one of the beaches. My personal favorites are Malibu and Newport. If you choose to go to Newport, you have to try “Dad’s Original Frozen Banana”. It will not disappoint.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so fortunate to have so many people to thank. I’d like to shoutout Mayfield Senior School’s (my alma mater) choir director, Andrew Alvarez; CSUN faculty Mercedes Juan Musotto, Hugo Vera, and Maurice Godin; my two older sisters Cecilia and Victoria; my Abuelito, Jose Armando Valle for always reminding me how proud he is of me. Most importantly I need to thank my mom, Lourdes Valle. Not only has she funded my education but she has given every bit of her life to my sisters and I. She has raised me and shaped me into the young woman I am today. I cannot thank her enough. Love you Mami <3

Instagram: sophiapaz_music

Facebook: Sophia Paz

Image Credits
Taso Papadakis, Julie Santiago, Sonia Gurrola, Dr. Bryan Fasola