Athena So is a Chinese-Canadian music director, pianist, and arts educator based in Toronto. She is well-versed in all musical theatre styles and has a strong passion for storytelling and collaboration within different artistic mediums.
Athena was first introduced to music at the age of five, training as a classical pianist, where she developed a love for storytelling through music. Athena holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Honours Music and a Bachelor of Education in Music and History through York University. During her post-secondary years, she began exploring a career in musical theatre, beginning as a rehearsal pianist and pit musician, and transitioning into music direction shortly after. Since then, Athena has continued serving as a pianist in various professional productions, but has also workshopped new musicals in the US and Canada, music directed productions around Toronto, and accompanied vocalists at various cabarets and concerts. In addition, Athena serves as a music director for comedy improv shows at The Second City Toronto and is a faculty member and accompanist at Randolph College for the Performing Arts. Most recently, Athena was the Music Intern for the 2024 Shaw Festival season, working on shows including My Fair Lady, The Secret Garden, The Anger of Ernest and Ernestine, and A Recluse and His Guest.
Athena is a proud member of Musicians United for Social Equity (MUSE) and MAESTRA, where she has been selected to participate in Piano and Music Assistant programs led by members such as Tom Kitt, Stephen Oremus, and Ian Weinberger. She has also been mentored by industry professionals such as Darryl Archibald, Brian Usifer, Lily Ling, and Laura Bergquist. Athena is currently a member of the MUSE Steering Committee, where she is committed to creating more diversity and representation in the arts industry.
Athena So | Music 