Sonya Belaya is a first generation Russian-American pianist, vocalist, composer, and improviser based in New York. Belaya’s creative practice uses research of Western social work practices, theatrical storytelling, jazz, rituals of domesticity, and Russian folkloric and bard protest musics – to challenge how Western culture codifies the immigrant experience. Her awards include the 2022 & 2024 ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award, 2021 American Composers Forum Create Award, the 2020-2021 Resident Artist & 2021-2022 Commissioned Artist at Roulette Intermedium, made possible by the Jerome Foundation. Sonya is a member of Alaara (with Nicole Patrick and Grey McMurray), a trio that creates long form improvisations prioritizing patience, effortlessly traversing the spaces of jazz, experimental minimalism, and ambient music. Sonya is a Yamaha Artist.

Image credit: Alex Brown.