The Australian Art Orchestra (AAO) has announced Melbourne/Naarm-based percussionist Sofia Carbonara as its new Pathfinder Associate Artist for 2023/2024. Over the course of a year, Carbonara will work part-time with the orchestra to develop both their creative practice and their skills in the field of arts production and administration.

Sofia plays the vibraphone in a red jumpsuit in a shot from a short film work.

Sofia Carbonara. Photo © Matt Lima Films

“Carbonara noted their gratitude at the “opportunity to make and think” alongside the AAO and its “wider community in and outside of Melbourne”.

“Learning from and with the AAO, I hope to build new bonds with music I love in celebrating improvisation as a transcultural practice, and the creative music community as a global one.”

Born and raised in New York, Carbonara is an Ecuadorian/Venezuelan-American percussionist currently undertaking graduate study at the University of Melbourne with an interdisciplinary performance practice. They have collaborated with visual artists, videographers, dancers and theatremakers, and presented works at the Detroit Institute of Art, Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival and the University Music Society.

They are a member...