Ursula Holliger

Ursula Holliger, harp

Ursula Holliger has performed as a soloist worldwide: individually, in small groups, and with many of the world's best known orchestras and conductors. She plays both the classical and the baroque harp. Some of her classical interpretations have become performance benchmarks: one can single out her different recordings of the Mozart concerto for flute and harp, her interpretation of the Handel harp concerto with Trevor Pinnock, and several recordings of works by the eighteenth century composer Louis Spohr - including her marvellous registering of the second Louis Spohr concertante for harp, violin and orchestra with the English Chamber Orchestra led by Heinz Holliger. She participates regularly in the Ittingen, Lucerne and Sermoneta festivals.

In her role as an advocate of modern music, Ursula Holliger's virtuosity and interpretative talent have been recognized by numerous contemporary composers. Among those who have dedicated works to her are Elliott Carter, Hans Werner Henze, Heinz Holliger, Witold Lutoslawski, Ernst Krenek, Frank Martin, Toru Takemitsu and Isang Yun. In March 2006 Ursula Holliger performed the European permière of Elliott Carter's Mosaic, a concerto for harp. In August 2004, she premièred Harrison Birtwistle's 26 Orpheus Elegies for Oboe and Harp with Countertenor at the Lucerne Festival, and she performed Birtwistle's Crowd at the Lucerne Festival 2006.

Ursula Holliger studied at the Musik-Akademie der Stadt Basel and at the Conservatoire Royal de Musique de Bruxelles with Mireille Flour (a student of M. Tournier). She taught for many years at the Musikhochschule in Freiburg, Germany and at the Musik-Akademie in her native Basel, where she resides.
From early childhood Ursula Holliger volunteered to play in benefit concerts, both for churches and for hospitals. She remains active in the work of certain hospitals in Switzerland and Germany. She has great admiration for Dr. Albert Schweitzer, and she serves as a founding member of an organization to continue his spiritual work.