Sophie Cashell, from Balbriggan in Ireland, started playing the violin when she was just four years old but turned her attentions to the piano when she was ten or eleven.  Sophie was thrust into the spotlight in late 2007 when she was named the winner of BBC Two's Classical Star competition.

The TV series gave nine young classical musicians the chance to demonstrate their talent and star quality before the likes of cellist Matthew Barley (the show's music director) and millions of viewers.  Cashell's performance of Shostakovich's second piano concerto swayed the judging in her favour, and with the victory came the opportunity to release an album with Universal Classics and Jazz.

Currently attending London's Royal Academy of Music, and with a performance in London's Wigmore Hall already under her belt, Sophie's ultimate ambition is to have a performance career with solo and chamber music.

In her spare time she reads, listens to a wide range of music including Radiohead and The Kinks, and is an avid supporter of the Irish Rugby team.