A Multi-Genre Violinist Blazing Her Own Trail
Photo Courtesy – Tomasz Sokolowski
At V. Richelieu, we love seeing where our instruments take the musicians who play them.
At just 17, Kara Sova has already built a musical identity that refuses to fit into a single box. From classical competition stages to bluegrass jams, from concert mistress positions to jazz improvisation, she embodies what it means to be a modern, boundary-crossing musician.
Her recent achievements tell part of the story: second place at WVU's Emerging Artist Competition, first violin in NYSSMA's All-State String Orchestra, and an upcoming tour in France with the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra. But it's her artistic vision and fearless genre-hopping that truly sets her apart.
We recently sat down with Kara to discuss her musical journey, her recent accolades, and why she chose a V. Richelieu violin to help her find her unique sound.
Photo Courtesy – Macfarlane Photography, Inc. (Picture by Josi Macfarlane)
FINDING HER VOICE, EARLY & OFTEN
Kara's musical journey started at age three as a Suzuki student. She remembers group classes vividly—watching older students play advanced repertoire and attempting to replicate what she heard by ear, even when the music was far beyond her technical level.
That early instinct to absorb and experiment never left her. Today, Kara is not only an accomplished violinist but also plays guitar, bass, trombone, ukulele, mandolin, piano, and sings. Each instrument feeds into her understanding of the others, creating a musician with an unusually broad sonic vocabulary.
Kara Sova – At 6 Years Old Photo Courtesy – J Freeman Photography (Jessica Freeman)
Artistic Collaborator – Sun Lee, Piano
THE SEARCH FOR THE RIGHT SOUND
In 2022, as Kara's playing matured, so did her need for an instrument that could keep up with her ambitions. After trying multiple violins—including those well above her budget—one stood out not for its price tag, but for how it resonated with her artistic identity.
“When I first saw it, I kind of fell in love with it,” Kara recalls of her V. Richelieu. “It was a reddish-brown with a Sonowood fingerboard... but when I played it, I just fell in love with the tone. We have since tried other instruments in a more expensive price range, but stayed with the V. Richelieu because it sounded way better. The quality was just so nice!”
The fingerboard itself became a conversation starter—a warm, distinctively patterned alternative to traditional ebony, made from sustainable high-density wood.
“It is such a striking fingerboard... It’s different. That’s always the first thing people notice on it too, and always have this reaction that, ‘This is so cool!’”
Kara Sova (Violin), Arinna Alfaro (Cello) and Kaela Sova (Viola)
In Image – Kara Sova at the 2025 OCMEA All-County Orchestra (Concert Mistress) Conductor – TJ Mc Avaney
AN INSTRUMENT THAT MOVES BETWEEN WORLDS
Classical training often creates specialists, but Kara has always been drawn to multiple styles. Her violin needed to be equally versatile.
“Even though it’s technically made for classical playing, it sounds amazing on bluegrass, jazz, modern band such as rock, pop-rock, and folk-rock,” Kara says. “It really shapes itself for whatever I need at the moment.”
That adaptability matters when you're leading an orchestra one night and sitting in with a jazz ensemble the next. Kara's sound is immediately recognizable, no matter the setting.
“My V. Richelieu violin helped me to play the more advanced pieces. That’s just how great of an instrument it is. Although I’m the one playing the piece, it really helps me bring it to life. Everyone can tell when it’s me playing in an ensemble, because the instrument is just so distinguishable.”
Photo Courtesy – Christopher Molloy
Photo Courtesy – Christopher Molloy
Kara performing with members of Perform 4 Purpose
LEARNING FROM THE BEST
Kara's recent schedule reads like a masterclass tour: she's worked with Burton Kaplan and studied under Professor George Taylor at the Eastman Community Music School, where she's been a multiple-year scholarship recipient. She's also participated in Charles Castleman's prestigious Quartet Program.
Kara Sova with Charles Castleman – 2025 Castleman Quartet Program
These experiences haven't just refined her technique—they've deepened her interpretive instincts. When asked about her favorite piece to perform, Kara doesn't hesitate: Borowski's "Adoration."
"It's a romance, and I love slow pieces because I can put a bunch of emotion into them," she explains. "I can play 'Adoration' from memory, at any time, because I love the piece so much."
Kara Sova - 2025 ECMS Violin Masterclass w/ Burton Kaplan with students of ESM’s Professor George Taylor and Janet Milnes
A "RICHELIEU FAMILY"
Music runs deep in the Sova household. Kara's sister Kaela plays viola, and their brother is next in line to join them. It's become something of a family tradition to share not just a love of music, but a shared approach to finding instruments that fit each player's unique voice.
"We are a Richelieu family," Kara says with a smile.
Kara Sova with Charles Castleman - 2025 Castleman Quartet Program
A SHORT GLIMPSE ON KARA’S RECENT ACTIVITIES
Her dedication to her craft has earned her numerous accolades and leadership positions:
RECENT AWARDS & HONORS
2nd Place: WVU’s 2025 Emerging Artist Competition
1st Violin: NYSSMA’s 2025 All-State String Orchestra
Concert Mistress: NYSSMA Zone 4's 2025 Senior High Area All-State Orchestra Festival
Scholarship Recipient: ECMS’s Margaret Kershner Weber Memorial Scholarship (2023, 2025) & Jocelyn Panepento Scholarship (2024)
CURRENT ENSEMBLES & ACTIVITIES
Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra (HYSO): Violinist (Touring France in 2026)
ECMS Chamber Music Program: Honors Quartet (Coached by Prof. George Taylor)
Kara is also active in her high school ensembles including Orchestra, Band, Choir, and Jazz Band.
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When asked what she'd tell young players searching for their perfect instrument, Kara emphasizes personal connection over prestige.
2025 Castleman Quartet Program
“When you find an instrument that fits you, stick with it, she advises. They are really personalized... find the one that shows the kind of artist you are.”
It's wisdom from someone who's already learned that the right sound isn't about the most expensive option—it's about finding a partner that grows with you, adapts to your vision, and helps you tell your musical story across every genre you explore.
We are incredibly proud to support Kara on her musical journey, from the competition stage to the concert halls of France. If you are looking for an instrument that allows your personality to shine, visit us to audition a V. Richelieu today.
Artistic Collaborator – Alla Kuznetsov, Piano