A black and white portrait photo of the harpist player Sandra Macher. Photocredit: Theresa Pewal

Manifesto
/More than notes

Telling stories through music and thereby touching people’s hearts — Sandra Macher’s unconventional approach to her art reveals life’s nuances and extends far beyond the classical realm. She is motivated by the interplay of music and emotions in a delicate, lighthearted manner. Opening ears, minds, and hearts, she is a multifaceted artist with a twist, consistently reinventing herself and challenging the status quo.

Sandra Macher is a versatile harpist based in Graz, Austria. Recognised for her excellent artistic achievement, she holds a Bachelor of Education and two Master of Arts degrees from the University for Music and Performing Arts Graz, Austria. She is a university teacher at the University for Music and Performing Arts Graz, founder of her own arpini harp academy and creator of The Circle of Music concert format.

Notes from a musical mind

Sandra Macher’s musical journey began at the Monastery Music School in Feldbach at the age of four, and she transitioned to playing the harp at eight. Having studied at prestigious institutions like the Maribor Conservatory (Slovenia), Conservatorio Jacopo Tomadini in Udine (Italy) and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz (Austria). Sandra earned a Master of Arts degree with the highest distinction in “Music Education - Voice and Instruments (IGP)” in 2017. Her international exposure includes studying at the University of Melbourne (Australia) in 2018. Throughout her classical harp education, Sandra participated in masterclasses with renowned harpists worldwide, shaping her skills and musicality.

Additionally, she graduated summa cum laude in the “Instrumental Studies Master’s Programme Harp” in October 2020, further solidifying her commitment to musical excellence.

SELECTED AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS:

  • 1st prize national Harp Competition Slovenia

  • 1st prize international Music Competition Ljubljana

  • Performer at the World Harp Congress in Amsterdam 2008

  • Special Award from the city of Graz in December 2018 for outstanding artistic achievements