Miesięczne archiwum: styczeń 2025

Follow the stars to Vorarlberg!

What began with a fleeting wish at the sight of a shooting star is now becoming reality: The European Harp Symposium is coming to Austria and we cordially invite you to attend! Many great moments await you!

The harp in Feldkirch, Vorarlberg and Europe

Vorarlberg has an extraordinary density of people playing the harp and, with the Stella Private University of Music in Feldkirch, also offers a geographically very central and easy-to-reach place to attract harpists and enthusiasts from all over Europe.

Last but not least, the Feldkirch Harp Days, which have been held annually for 15 years, show with their up to 50 active participants how a low-threshold, supra-regional exchange is possible and radiates far into society.

There has not been a European Harp Symposium since 2007. This means that there is no platform that enables exchange and networking outside of competitions or on a larger scale. In addition to numerous smaller festivals, only the World Harp Congress has remained, which, after 2008 in Amsterdam, did not reach a city in Europe again until 2023 with Cardiff.

The initial spark

The 100th anniversary of a harp from the legendary Erard company, which once belonged to the famous Italian harpist Clelia Gatti Aldrovandi, is the occasion at this symposium to celebrate the harp and its rich history. This should be an incentive for all of us to cultivate, develop and carry our heritage into the future.

At the same time, the harp class in Feldkirch celebrates its 40th anniversary. From the State Conservatory for Vorarlberg to today’s Stella University of Music, a large piece of Feldkirch and Vorarlberg music history has been written. The Alpine folk harp has provided the foundation on which international students now come to Feldkirch and make their contribution to further development.

The founding of the Harp Network has laid the foundation for representing harpists from all over Austria internally and externally, as well as connecting them with each other. „Stellae Matutinae” now invites all associations to network with colleagues from all over Europe!

The European Harp Symposium „Stellae Matutinae“

The spirit of the European Harp Symposia was characterized by collegiality, openness and the spirit of responsibility. Through them, young talents came into contact with their role models, often swapping roles as actors and listeners. With exhibitions, as well as seminars and workshops, an atmosphere was created in which curiosity was inspired, inspiration was shared and one or the other career aspiration was made.

This is what you can expect:

From Saturday, April 12 to Good Friday, April 18, 2025, 16 concerts, 9 seminars and workshops, as well as 5 masterclasses will take place. The varied supporting programme offers exhibitions and presentations on numerous topics.

A harp marathon invites players to show themselves to a large audience and the current Open Call calls on harpists up to the age of 25 from all over Europe to participate in the concert series „Stars of tomorrow”, as well as the masterclasses.

In addition, there are the concerts of some of the biggest stars of the European harp scene. You can look forward to a wide stylistic range, the highest standards, inspiring moments and interesting conversations before and after the events!

Advance ticket sales are already underway. Until the end of 2024, there is a price advantage when buying single tickets. In addition, inexpensive group tickets are on sale.

All further information can be found on the website: www.stellaematutinae.org