Sophie Hutchings

Sophie Hutchings is a neoclassical (in the popular music sense) pianist based in Sydney, who writes instrumental pieces whose temperament and cadence lies in the classical music playpen but also has a distinctly modern, ambient tones underneath. Her compositions are low-key, relatively slow, sentimental and contemplative pieces evoking soundscapes of melancholic serenity.  They are heavy on the lyricism where melodies are pulled back a little and are not up front. She usually performs solo, stays fairly close to her piano roots, but also brings in additional string accompaniment and even a chorus occasionally. It is inviting and warm music, but it requires the listener to wind down a little first and take their time to appreciate its subtleties.