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/ Sofia Hernandez-Williams Goes the Distance

In January 2026, BYSO cellist, Sofia Hernandez-Williams competed in the Junior Division of the prestigious National Sphinx Competition in Detroit, Michigan. Sofia earned Second Place among the nation’s top young string players. After advancing to the finals and performing Haydn’s C Major Concerto with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, Sofia was, in her mom Caroline Reiner-Williams’ words, “so exhilarated she was almost bouncing off the walls of her dressing room.”

But the weekend was far from over.

With a winter storm on the way, Sofia and her family made the decision to leave Michigan a day early, as Sofia was determined not to miss BYSO’s opera production of Berlioz’s Les Troyens à Carthage. They began driving back to Boston at 5:30 a.m. Sofia rested in the car while her parents took turns driving, arriving at Sanders Theatre at 5:30 p.m; just in time for the 7:00 p.m. curtain.

“Sofia was quite determined to play the opera,” Caroline shared. That determination came from more than just responsibility. Sofia, who studies voice in addition to cello, said she didn’t want to miss the culmination of months of rehearsal or her very first opportunity to perform in a full opera. She was especially excited to share the stage with professional singers, Music Director Federico Cortese, her fellow BYSO musicians and to finally see the cast in full costume from the orchestra pit.

Pictured: Sofia Hernandez-Williams with BYSO Music Director, Federico Cortese. Photography by Michael J. Lutch

The performance was also a family milestone. Sofia’s brother performed in the violin section of BYSO’s Orchestra A, and the experience brought back powerful memories for Caroline Reiner-Williams, a (G)BYSO alum. 

From a national competition stage in Detroit to the orchestra pit at Sanders Theatre in a single day, Sofia’s journey that weekend reflects not only remarkable talent, but resilience, passion, and deep love for music. Her story is a powerful example of the dedication BYSO students bring to their art, and of the families who help make those dreams possible.

In addition, Sofia won the BYSO Concerto competition held in October 2025. Sofia, her family and the BYSO community are excited for her performance of the Camille Saint-Saëns Concerto No. 1 alongside BYS (Boston Youth Symphony) at the Spring Concert on March 8, 2026.