Meet our musicians: Sophia Aretz

Which instrument do you play at the Kölner Akademie and when did you start playing?
Since 2022 I play with the Kölner Akademie: baroque flute for baroque repertoire and classical flute or keyed flute for classical and romantic repertoire.

What brought you to the Kölner Akademie?
I already knew some CD-recordings of the cologne academy and was recommended by someone at Michael, whereupon he asked me.

In which other orchestras and ensembles do you play?
I play freelance in ensembles like the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Ensemble 1700, Hofkapelle Stuttgart, L’Orfeo Baroque Orchestra from Austria, with Harmonie Universelle. Also, after an audition with Arcangelo (an ensemble in the UK), I was accepted into their pool of musicians.

What do you think distinguishes your work with the Kölner Akademie?
I totally enjoy playing in this ensemble. Michael has a knack for putting together good people who are motivated and interested in achieving the best possible musical result. In addition, Michael often finds unknown repertoire, so you learn many new works and expand your musical horizons. The fact that he has so many CD recordings on the go makes me especially happy, because in this way one creates as a musician:in something lasting.

What do you like to do when you are not making music?
As mentioned on the website of the Kölner Akademie, yoga, various sports and meditation are part of my everyday life and help me to be a very optimistic and happy person. I also love to swim in ice-cold water and combine this challenge with Wim Hof breathing techniques. I love to cook (plant-based). I also like to get involved socially by going to demonstrations for issues like anti-racism, human rights, feminism, animal rights and climate protection, or doing awareness work at street actions.