Sophie Cherrier studied at the Conservatoire National de Région de Nancy and then at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, where she graduated with highest honors in flute (under the tutelage of Alain Marion) and chamber music (under the tutelage of Christian Lardé). She joined the Ensemble intercontemporain in 1979. She has performed in the premieres of numerous works, including Mémoriale by Pierre Boulez, Esprit rude/Esprit doux by Elliott Carter (Deutsche Grammophon recording), and Chu Ky Vby Ton-Thât Tiêt.

Sophie Cherrier has also recorded Sequenza I by Luciano Berio (Deutsche Grammophon), …explosante fixe and Sonatine pour flûte et piano by Pierre Boulez (Erato), Imaginary Sky-lines for flute and harp by Ivan Fedele (Adès), Jupiter and La Partition du ciel et de l’Enfer by Philippe Manoury (for the collection “Compositeurs d’aujourd’hui”). She has performed with the Hallé Orchestra of Manchester, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and the London Sinfonietta. After being awarded the Certificat d’Aptitude, she was appointed Professor at the Conservatoire de Paris in 1998. Her penchant for teaching has led her to conduct various master classes, both in France and abroad.