She’s Sooo-z Mastropietro.
And her story is as intriguing as her name.
A Westporter for 12 years, she’s a visual artist and classical bassist. She’s played with the American Chamber Orchestra and Civic Orchestra of New Haven. She was on the Saratoga Performing Arts Center stage as a teen, toured Europe, and — while pregnant with her 1st of 3 children — made a quick stop at Carnegie Hall.
A few days ago, she was contacted by a bass-playing friend. Extras were needed for “Mozart in the Jungle,” season 4.
Sooo-z Mastropietro
A couple of days later — after filling out pages of tax forms, signing agreements and harnessing her mane into a braid that did not interfere with the rest of the musicians — Sooo-z was ready to rock.
“Malcolm McDowell is a very cool cat,” she reports. “He clearly enjoyed hanging by the basses. And Bernadette Peters is gorgeous. She patted my bass case.”
But that did not distract Sooo-z from another passion: Bass Camp. A day-long intensive session at the Quick Center on August 28, it’s all about bass trios, quartets and (hopefully) a master class with Brian Torff.
“The bass is often misunderstood and under-heard,” she notes. “This gives us an opportunity to celebrate this great beast, without pressure.”
Sooo-z wasn’t sure her idea would fly. But Danielle Merlis — who runs a Cello Camp — was supportive.
She connected Sooo-z with Jeff Zimmerman, another Westport bass player (and a specialist in the relationship between music and physical health).
It turns out that they both grew up in the same New York town. They went to the same high school — and had the same music teacher, 10 years apart.
“Small world, big instrument!” she says.
(For information on Sooo-z’s Bass Camp, call 203-454-4010.)
Sooo-z Mastropietro, on the set of “Mozart in the Jungle.”