Andrew Sords is an internationally acclaimed violinist praised for combining “visceral virtuosity with a ravishing tone.” He has cultivated a prolific career as a soloist, appearing with nearly 300 orchestras across four continents. Sords first began his musical studies on piano at age five, before starting violin a year later. His early promise was recognized with multiple awards, including the National Shirley Valentin Violin Award and the National Federation of Music Clubs Competition. He continued his education at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Southern Methodist University, honing his craft with renowned pedagogues.

A frequent guest soloist, Sords has performed with orchestras such as the Oakland Symphony, Windsor Symphony, Kalisz Philharmonic in Poland, and the Chattanooga Symphony. His international appearances have taken him to Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Australia, where he was heralded for his “admirably firm clarity” by The Melbourne Age. He has also been a featured artist at prestigious venues and festivals, including Toronto's Glenn Gould Theatre and the Ravinia Festival, and has been profiled by major media outlets such as NPR's “Morning Edition” and London's The Times.

Critics have consistently praised Sords's performances for their technical mastery and emotional depth. The Arizona Daily Sun noted his “flawless performance” of the Sibelius Violin Concerto, displaying “not only mastery of his instrument but also maturity and sensitivity.” ClevelandClassical.com described a performance as “breathless but magnificently controlled,” with Sords impressing with “total command of technique, consummate musicianship and bravura.” Another review from Guatemala's Prensa Libre stated that Sords “demonstrated what it means to be an artist,” pairing “maximum delicacy with fire and brilliance.”

Sords's repertoire is broad, encompassing staples of the violin concerto and sonata literature from composers like Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Tchaikovsky. He is also a dedicated champion of lesser-known works and new music. He commissioned a violin concerto from composer Evan Fein and has founded Green Point Editions, a venture dedicated to publishing deserving works on the periphery of the repertoire. He has also been featured as a soloist on the New-Age album “Transcendence.” Sords performs on a 1921 Augustine Talisse violin and a French bow from the workshop of Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume.

Beyond the stage, Sords is committed to community engagement and music education. He often includes educational outreach and masterclasses as part of his performance engagements. He has also been a passionate advocate for social causes, using his platform to support various charitable events. Sords’s magnetic stage presence and vibrant musicality have earned him a devoted following, and his career continues to thrive through a balance of classical virtuosity, innovative programming, and a genuine connection with his audience