Exclusive Interview with SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO

At the forefront of NEW classical music are Sharon Ruchman and SONORO, who use a variety of flexible instrumentation, such as piano, flute, saxophone, viola, cello, bass, and percussion, to create a playful and romantic blend of classical, jazz, blues, and Latin sounds. Composed by Sharon Ruchman and produced by Marc Wager Weisgal, the original work pushes the limits of modern rhythms to produce a distinctive sonic fusion. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO: I am originally from New York. Music was innate, and I was encouraged to pursue it from an early age. I studied and performed as a vocalist and pianist and was always fascinated with composition, which became my greatest musical interest 15 years ago.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO: I received my Bachelor of Music Education in voice at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. Then, I continued to Yale School of Music, receiving my Master of Music in voice.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO?

SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO: I was fortunate to have had some extraordinary musical experiences in my earlier career. In addition to my high school and college performances, I was accepted at the Blossom Music Festival sponsored by the Cleveland Orchestra, where I was chosen as one of 16 singers in the Robert Shaw chamber choir. That summer, Leonard Bernstein conducted our chorus (Mahler 2nd Symphony.) The following summer, I attended the Ambler Music Festival outside of Philadelphia, sponsored by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Seiji Ozawa and Eugene Ormandy conducted our choir. Besides my interest in classical music, I was drawn to jazz. I had the opportunity to visit jazz clubs and hear Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans, amongst other greats. Having had many musical influences over the years, I became interested (about five years ago) in composing classically based pieces fused with blues, Latin, and jazz. It led to me forming an ensemble with sax, percussion, acoustic bass, flute, piano, viola, and cello. I called it SONORO, which means a resonant sound, which I thought apropos for the music and the group.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO: Music should have one of the following: 1. Impart emotion. 2. Tell a story. 3. A catchy melody. 4. Imagery. 5. Something you want to hear over and over again and that endures.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as mix of genres ?

SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO: My music has been an outgrowth of many influences in my musical life. My first influence was that of classical composers such as Debussy, Brahms and Rachmaninoff. I was drawn to the imagery, romantic, lyrical, and emotional qualities of their music. As I became more involved in composing, I began to incorporate other musical influences into my writing. It wasn’t a conscious effort. Those influences naturally appeared unexpectedly. I moved from a classically based composer to one that offered other elements and textures. I suppose we could call it a unique mix of genres or Third Stream.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO: I am interested in expressing myself through my music. It is important that it resonates to the listener. Each piece (Each title is chosen for a reason) tells a story or expresses an emotion that is tied in with my personal journey, but also shares a common theme for so many others. My main objective is to touch others and that the music be memorable.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO: Music is joyful and fulfilling. It is never work. The process of creating is exciting and always a surprise. My hope is always that the listener enjoys the music and it has an impact in some way.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO: I love creating melodies. The first step for me is going to the piano and trying out new ideas. Once I have one or two melodies that have potential for a piece, I take it to my Finale notation program to begin the process. From there, I add other instrumental parts and work through it until I am satisfied. I do not collaborate with others. This is a sole effort.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO: I always had a great desire to compose from the time I was 4 or 5 years old, but the combination of ADHD and a difficult family life got in the way. Throughout my life, I felt a tremendous void by not writing. It gnawed at me continuously until I was able to get answers for the ADHD and heal from some personal issues. I felt an incredible sense of liberation when I began to compose again, with an opportunity to create volumes of music in the last 15 years. It has been thrilling.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

SHARON RUCHMAN & SONORO: I feel proud of the music I have written, and I’m now sharing it on Spotify and social media. It is very rewarding to hear wonderful feedback from curators who respond to my music in the way I intended it. I continue to hope for appreciation and acknowledgment of my work.