Death of multitalented London violinist, 55
mainThe supremely capable studio musician, orchestra leader, producer and arranger Sonia Slany died on January 14 after a long illness.
Among other feats, she played the monochord on Howard Shore’s haunting Lord of the Rings soundtrack with the London Philharmonic.
Listen carefully.
Originally from western Australia, Sonia studied at the Royal Northern College of Music before making her career in London. She was greatly loved.
I performed with her once. RIP, Sonia
Sonia came and played unaccompanied Bach at a music camp I attended in Western Australia as a teenager, about 35 years ago. I was really captivated by her beautiful sound and energy and organised a lesson with her. I have always been inspired by this small connection and am sorry to hear of her passing. RIP Sonia
It was in the 80s when Sonia bought my violin once belonged to her teacher Denis East.
For many years her name was just a mention of him to reassure me that my ‘baby’ passed in very good hands, but my curiosity was appeased only in the 90’s, when finally she came to Bologna for a trio concert and she was taking this opportunity for finally meeting with the dad of her beloved fiddle. I immediately realized that her music talent and personality were truly uncommon, and I’ll never forget that incredible concert she performed with Ryuichi Sakamoto on that evening.
I became immediately one of her fans.
I wish I could enjoy more of her friendship!
It was a great honor for me to have invisibly served her musical inspiration for many years.
Sonia will be greatly missed by me too.
Roberto Regazzi, Bologna
Hello Roberto – thankyou for this beautiful memory snippet – I remember this fiddle, she never let it out of her sight when travelling, even remember a trip to Wales where I was sometimes charged with ‘watching’ her violin, she had told me it was of Italian origin, but I never knew more about it. In a week’s time, I will be again remembering her – I am her Mama – and am missing her forever, live in Australia, her two sisters are here too, one of them is learning violin now and doing well . . .
the best instrument in the world IMO, thanks for your generosity and praise
I keep coming across snippets of her past and because she made her career in England and I remained in Australia with the rest of the family, her life is a series of unconnected highs and lows – lows mostly connected with her final illness, which she bravely faced and battled for many years.
I am happy she was able to live her talent and give joy to many people.
Mille gracie my friend
Gerda Slany
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Sonia. I was her first violin teacher in Bunbury and I am so proud of what she had achieved. My thoughts are with you all.
She was a beautiful and talented lass. RIP Sonia “Gone Too Soon”