Michael Heupel

”A fresh and interesting interpreter, deep and sensitive in the lyrical passages
and with supreme mastery in the virtuosic ones!
A real joy for the listener”

- Julius Berger

Michael Heupel is a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. His dynamic approach to music-making and creative programming has lead to performances in prestigious halls all over the world, such as the Athens Megaron, the Elbphilharmonie and the Laeiszhalle in Hamburg, the Carnegie Hall in New York, the Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall, the Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall in San Francisco, the Cuvilliés Theater in Munich, the Onassis Cultural Center in Athens. He has been invited to perform in international music festivals and concert series like the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, the “FULL” concert series by the BAMPFA in San Francisco California, the Euro Music Festival.

In addition to his flourishing career as a soloist, Heupel is deeply committed to enriching his understanding of the cello. His scholarly pursuits into the instrument's history have garnered recognition, leading to invitations as a keynote speaker at prestigious scientific conventions such as the 'Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Musikforschung'. Furthermore, driven by his quest to push the boundaries of expression in his performances and broaden his artistic horizons, he has crafted groundbreaking concert experiences working alongside dancers, actors, theater directors, visual artists and writers.

His studies with Prof. Tilmann Wick in Hannover and Prof. Arto Noras in Hamburg, as well as master classes with eminent teachers and artists like David Geringas, Julius Berger, Bernard Greenhouse, Anner Bylsma and Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt have helped him form and develop his artistic personality and earn prizes in national and international competitions. He holds scholarships by the Onassis Foundation, the Alfred Toepfer Foundation and the University of Music and Drama in Hamburg.

His first solo Album titled “Afierossis”, for which he recorded works for solo cello from the 20th and 21st century, was released by ARS Produktion and met great critical acclaim by the press. The CD was selected by the Violoncello Foundation USA as one of the 5 best recordings for cello in the year 2017. 2021 he collaborated with pianist Mario Häring and label Genuin classics to release his second album “Continuum”, in which he presented works with influences from early music.

He plays on a cello built in 1723 by David Tecchler in Rome.

Description of the Masterclass

At the core of this masterclass is Heupel's unwavering commitment to nurturing both technical excellence and creative exploration. Drawing upon his rich background as a soloist and chamber musician, Heupel invites students to discover a newfound sense of freedom and mastery over their instrument. Through a holistic approach that intertwines technical refinement with artistic inspiration, participants are guided on a journey towards unlocking their full potential as musicians. Throughout the intensive sessions, students will be challenged to push beyond their comfort zones, exploring innovative ways to express themselves through their music. Heupel's method emphasizes a fusion of rigorous technique with deep musical understanding, empowering students to infuse every note with meaning and emotion. From Bach to contemporary composers, the repertoire is wide open, allowing students to explore pieces that resonate with their own artistic sensibilities.

By the end of the masterclass, participants will have gained invaluable insights into the art of cello performance, elevating their playing to new heights of excellence and creativity. This masterclass is open to both students and young professionals seeking to deepen their musical understanding and refine their performance skills. Conducted primarily in English, with the option for instruction in German if preferred, students will receive four lessons of 45 minutes each, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.

MASTERCLASS - ALLEINS (FRANCE)
17 - 21 AUGUST 2024