Sophia Kickhofel of Apple Valley is one of two alto saxophonists from across the nation chosen for the 2019 National Youth Jazz Orchestra. The program concluded with a two week run at Carnegie Hall. After that, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra was off on a  concert tour in the Far East with stops in Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and the capital city of Seoul in her mother’s native South Korea.

She made her Twin Cities Jazz Fest debut last summer at age 16. She is an amazing talent who often (prior to COVID) appeared on Twin Cities’ music stages.

AARP MN & The Twin Cities Jazz Festival Present Jazz Fest Live Featuring the Sofia Kickhofel Quartet