Meet Sujari Britt!

Take a deep dive into the beautifully wrapped world of music as cellist Sujari Britt fills the universe with mesmerizing notes and captivating sound! Hailing from New York City, New York, Sujari began her musical journey on the cello at the tender age of 4 years-old! Sujari uses her prodigious talent to pursue her passion and blaze a powerful pathway for moving the world. 

From being invited to showcase her incredible talent at the White House for President Obama to performing numerous recitals at Carnegie Hall, Sujari continues to blossom while astounding and inspiring audiences worldwide! Among her recent and upcoming performance exploits, Sujari performed in Beijing, China in the Beijing Super Cello Festival (2018). In February 2019, Sujari was a featured artist at Musiikkotalo, Cellofest Opening Gala in Helisinki, Finland. This summer, Sujari traveled to Bari, Italy where she will return in September to participate in exclusive international master classes. Also in September, Sujari will be back in the USA to perform Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor with the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, Ashland, Oregon.

Sujari  is the distinguished recipient of prestigious academic scholarships and awards, and grand prize winner of several national and international competitions. 

Sujari recently earned her Bachelor of Music degree  in Classical Cello Performance at  Manhattan School of Music in New York City. She presently studies with world renowned cellist and pedagogue Martti Rousi, Sibelius Academy in pursuit of her Master’s of Classical Cello. 

In addition to her solo performance calendar, Sujari actively participates in the chamber arena. Among a variety of chamber troupes in her portfolio, Sujari is a member of JoSunJari, a classical string trio with her sister Joelle and her brother Sunnaj,  who both play the violin. Sujari also is a member of Helsinki Chamber Orchestra.

Let’s get to know Sujari a little better…

You began your incredible journey as a cellist at the young age of 4 years old! What initially triggered your interest to play? At what moment did you know this was your passion + purpose? 

I fell in love with the cello’s depth and resonance, having been en-rapt by Yoyo Ma’s rendering of Saint Saens’ Swan. It was not the first time that I had heard the piece, for classical and all genres of music were constantly being pumped through our days as students of home-schooling; but I was struck and held fast at a moment. I listened, and I felt that I was hearing a reflection of my own strong voice; as if I could feel the message of the cello’s sweet sorrowful swoon. Saint Saens’ message seemed to speak to me- a clear message of a longing, a need. Moved to tears, I was caught up in emotion and intrigue; the cello captured my soul and I willed that it would carry my voice.

 You have accomplished countless jaw-dropping achievements! From playing for President Obama in the White House to sharing your gift on global stages with renowned musicians, what accomplishment makes you most proud + why?  

Through the cello, I have enjoyed myriad experiences and individuals whom I might not otherwise have encountered; including new subscribers to classical music, as well as vested connoisseurs. Having the ability and opportunities to play permit me to lengthen my reach in the world. My joy comes from touching other souls, so each of my experiences holds special treasures for me.

Watching you play the cello is extremely captivating + instantly pulls the audience into a beautiful journey, where does the music take you in that very moment in time? 

I simply abandon myself to the music! The better I can tune in to the composer’s contexts- era, style, personal history, emotional texture, story- the further the music carries me, and the more complete is my rendering. I try to embody the composer’s will, and let the cello serve to voice the adventure.

Music can be a melting pot of who you are and the inspiration around you. Who and what inspires you to express yourself on a daily basis? 

My ardor is to seek out and to accept a responsibility to move the world, note by note; ear by ear; mind by mind. Specifically, this means looking for ways to be present each day; reminding myself that the end goal for my endeavors is both influenced by and is ever a part of the path that I choose for achieving it. If I can meaningfully commune with a single other mind every day, only then am I accountable for making use of and contributing to the inspiration that this rich gift of a life of music spurs in me.

Being young, juggling responsibilities while living your dreams can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?

I have adopted the mantra to “fail forward.” For me, failing forward means that I can use ‘misses’ or moments of low energy to inform, innovate and drive my next steps. By focusing on where I am- and not just on where I want to go, I allow myself the space to experience each moment, as well as the time to strategize my next steps.

I believe that in addition to accepting defeat as a part of the path to success, it is important to know when to regroup. For me, this sometimes means that I shift gears and do something else for a bit: Relax, reflect, let go…then, redouble efforts with renewed perspective and motivation.

We are all about empowerment, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?

In my mind, ‘empowerment’ has to do with taking the responsibility to free oneself to be. In order to be free, it is essential to celebrate talents, recognize penchants and fantasies, and uncover and confront areas for development. I believe that it is important to set up check-points to ask ourselves: Where do I shine? What do I wish? What do I not know?

What advice would you give girls who want to follow their dreams and passions but are nervous or intimidated?

I offer my encouragement to all dreamers! I believe that each of us deserves the joy of having self-worth; a delight that can be achieved if we learn to dream big and set small, achievable goals for getting there. Incremental steps may mean that your journey will not result in an overnight sensation; yet, some of the most profound achievements are reached over time, space, and personal growth.

Nervousness and anxiety are par for the course. In fact, there are bound to be moments when the going may seem tougher than you imagine yourself to be. USE that energy, and find partners, colleagues, and supporters who are willing and available to hear you and to cheer you on. Regardless of how steep the climb, how long the journey, and how seemingly far-fetched the goal, you are almost never alone in your endeavors, unless you choose to be. Remember, our humanity binds us. GO FOR IT!

Time for faves! Artist? Food? Movie? 3 songs currently on your playlist?

I spend my spare time painting and doing photography- from photographing to development and printing. I enjoy cooking and baking gourmet (vegan) dishes- I have a penchant for Mediterranean and Asian styles and flavors. I also enjoy long-distance walking, and recently re-learned biking: LOVing it!  I listen to an eclectic variety of music; Little Dragon and Tigran Hamasyan are on my playlist, these days.

Follow +  learn more + follow Sujari’s journey here:

Website