Johanna Schellenberger Foto: Bonifaz Weiß
Johanna Schellenberger Foto: Bonifaz Weiß
Johanna Schellenberger Foto: Bonifaz Weiß
Johanna Schellenberger Foto: Bonifaz Weiß
Johanna Schellenberger is a renowned German concert harpist with an international reputation. She performs in recitals and as a soloist around the world, earning widespread critical acclaim. From 2020 to 2024, she was principal harpist of the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, and in 2024 took on the same position with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Geneva.
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In her solo and chamber music performances, Johanna is particularly committed to being creatively versatile, aiming to offer her audience a broader musical experience. Her artistic endeavors include musical cabaret and various programs combining acting and dance, showcasing the diversity of her work. She has a special interest in performing music by composers from minority groups, such as the works of female composers Henriette Renié and Germaine Tailleferre. She also enjoys playing pieces that highlight the harp's wide range of tonal colors. Last season, Johanna performed Alberto Ginastera’s eclectic Harp Concerto with the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden at the Semperoper. Passionate about expanding the harp repertoire, she actively collaborates with contemporary composers to create new works for her instrument. Johanna has performed in many of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Musikverein in Vienna, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Großes Festspielhaus in Salzburg.
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Her professional journey began with her bachelor studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Munich under Prof. Cristina Bianchi, following a pre-college programme. In her second year, at the age of 20, she won a position as an academy member at the Bavarian State Opera, where she had the opportunity to experience productions of "The Ring" and "Parsifal" under Kirill Petrenko. The following year, she was appointed principal harpist at the Tiroler Landestheater. In January 2019, at the age of 22, she won the position of principal harpist with the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, which she officially took up in April 2020 and held for five years. Highlights of her time there included numerous opera productions and concerts under chief conductor Christian Thielemann, as well as concert tours throughout Europe and Asia. During this period, she also expanded her solo and chamber music activities, building a diverse repertoire. After gaining extensive experience with the Dresden Staatskapelle, she now continues her career with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Geneva, where she successfully auditioned in June 2024. Johanna also performs regularly as guest principal harpist with leading orchestras such as the Orchestre National de France, the Bamberg Symphony, and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, among others.
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The 2024/25 season promises to be another exciting year, with solo performances across Europe. In addition, she plans to release an album focusing on the rediscovery and publication of works by female composers.