Born and raised in Mexico, Sofia Salazar Arguelles developed her passion for music through programs such as Esperanza Azteca and the Conservatory of Puebla. These early experiences laid the foundation for her musical journey, which continued professionally when she moved to the United States in 2016.

Sofia has performed as part of several ensembles, including Crossroad Strings, UTSA Orchestra, and UTSA String Band, where she has held both principal cellist and soloist roles in several concerts. Throughout her career, she has participated in master classes with renowned cellists such as Santiago Valencia, Tina Guo, Emilio Colón, Tido Janssen, and Carrie Pierce, broadening her expertise and technique. Her current teacher, cellist Yi Qun Xu, has been essential in helping her refine her skills and deepen her understanding of cello performance.

Sofia’s dedication to music also extends to her work behind the scenes. She served as the Operations Manager Assistant Intern for the 210 Summer Festival, where she contributed to the logistics and execution of the festival’s events, handling everything from artist coordination to stage management. Currently, she performs with the Alamo Viva Symphony and serves as part of the Ascend Artist Faculty.

Sofia will graduate this December from UTSA with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Music Performance in Cello. She is eager to combine her business knowledge with her passion for music, contributing both on stage and behind the scenes to the arts community.