Young Skegness entrepreneur starts her own music talent agency

At the tender age of 22, Sophia Bishell founded Crescendo Talent - a live music booking agency which signs up talented musicians - from classical and jazz to rock and pop.

The former Richmond School pupil went on to study drama at Lincoln University - and it was here that she was awarded a start-up grant to set up her own business.

Having only graduated in September last year - she had already set her talent agency up by the December.

“I’m so excited at the moment,” said Sophia. “The acts I have recently signed to the agency are really credible and high-class. We have also managed to secure funding for our debut music event in Newark on March 26.

“There will be an impressive array of soul and jazz singers from across the UK and it is a great opportunity to showcase the artists my agency represents.”

The evening will feature live performances from Lincolnshire jazz trio Djanco among others from London and Paris.

Jonathan Pass, owner of Kelham Hall, where the conert will be held, commented: “Sophia has worked incredibly hard co-ordinating an impressive line-up so we look forward to seeing everyone at the first of many great nights.”

Sophia has been a keen musician and performer since a very young age - her passion taking her to perform with Skegness amateur dramatics at the Embassy Theatre, piano and singing lessons from age 10, and studying dance at the Hall Way to Dance in Skegness. She later went on to Lincoln Minster School to pursue her passion for singing and drama.

Now in a position to help local talent - Sophia said she would love to sign up Lincolnshire artists and promote them around the UK.

“There is a pool of highly-talented musicians in Lincolnshire who range from acoustic to jazz to classical,” she said. “I am now supporting the strongest talent in Lincolnshire and providing them a platform for professional representation and giving them the opportunity to perform further across the UK.

“I am running monthly showcases each Sunday at Home in Lincoln, in the live lounge for the artists. I am reaching out to venues with heritage, where live music complements the establishment. My aim is also to collaborate Lincolnshire artists with those from further afield to help make a name for artists from this county. Crescendo Talent is not just a booking agency, but an agency that cares about all the performers by showcasing their talent too.”

For more details visit www.crescendotalent.com