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soloist

B2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /sˈəʊləʊˌɪst/

US

  • /ˈsoʊˌloʊəst/
  • /ˈsoʊˌloʊɪst/

Description

Imagine an orchestra, with dozens of instruments playing together. Then one musician steps forward to play an important melody while the rest of the group supports them more softly in the background. That person is a soloist. A soloist is someone who performs alone for a part of a show and becomes the main focus, often within a larger group like an orchestra, choir, band, or dance company. It might be a violinist playing the main part in a concerto, a singer taking the lead for one part of a song, or a dancer performing alone on stage.

The key idea is attention. Even though a soloist performs alone for that moment, they are often supported by other performers. The word highlights the person who stands out and carries the main part while the rest of the group provides support.

Examples

  1. 1

    Concert performance

    The piano soloist walked onstage to warm applause from the audience.

  2. 2

    Ballet rank

    She trained for years before becoming a soloist with the national ballet company.

    • Domain

      in ballet, soloist can also be a dancer's rank in a company

  3. 3

    Guest performers

    The festival invited three guest soloists, so each concert had a different sound.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • soloistnoun

Forms

  • soloistspluralnoun