About

Michelle Sweegers (1997) is a Dutch concert harpist and is considered one of the most remarkable harp talents of her generation. She became nationally known through her solo performance in MAESTRO, where her sensitive interplay with Jamai Loman deeply moves the audience. In her varied and narrative programs, she combines classical masterpieces on the concert harp with cinematic, modern sounds on the electric harp. In addition, she composes her own music and actively seeks interaction with her audience. Her performances are adventurous, expressive, and often cross-genre.

Her career is developing rapidly, with performances both nationally and internationally, and awards at both national and international competitions. She has performed as a soloist with, among others, the Jeugd Orkest Nederland, Nörrkoping Symphony Orchestra, European Philharmonia, the Amstel String Ensemble, and on radio and TV programs such as Podium Witteman, Spiegelzaal, Zwarte Prietpraat, and De Wereld Draait Door. She is also part of the well-known MAESTRO orchestra and is regularly heard on NPO Radio 4.

At the age of seven, Michelle began playing the harp at the Factorium in Tilburg, where she took lessons from Margaret Forrest. After these initial years of getting acquainted with the instrument, she took lessons at various institutions. In 2011, she was admitted to the Academy of Musical Talent in Utrecht, where she studied with Erika Waardenburg. After obtaining her VWO diploma, she studied at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp with principal teacher Sophie Hallynck. In June 2018, she earned her Bachelor's degree with 'great distinction'. Subsequently, Michelle went on an Erasmus exchange to the CNSMD de Lyon (France), where she studied with Fabrice Pierre, Sylvain Blassel, and Park Stickney. In 2019, she returned to Antwerp to study with Miriam Overlach. In June 2020, Michelle obtained her Master's degree; for her master recital, she was awarded the 'highest distinction' and was also appointed 'primarius' of the conservatory.

She has won prizes at the Princess Christina Competition, the Concours International de Harpes in Limoges, the Rosa Spier Competition, and the International Harp Competition Felix Godefroid. Additionally, she has taken masterclasses with renowned harpists such as Isabelle Perrin, Sasha Boldachev, Deborah Henson-Conant, and Gwyneth Wentink.

Michelle’s versatility makes her a highly sought-after artist both within the classical world and beyond. She moves effortlessly between intimate, poetic solo performances and energetic crossover projects with DJs and electronic artists. Her work proves that the harp does not have to be confined to traditional contexts but can shine in concert halls, at festivals, and in innovative ensembles. As a performing musician, Michelle is known for her artistic curiosity, professional attitude, and her ability to touch a broad audience with the unexpected power and beauty of the harp.

Besides her career as a harpist and composer, Michelle has also made a name for herself as a writer. In April 2021, her fairy tale book The Golden Tree was published, a unique project where story, image, and music come together. The book is richly illustrated by fairytale artist Maggie Gunzel and narrated by the enchanting voice of Karin Bloemen. Around this book, Michelle developed a music theater production of the same name, which she is currently touring through schools and theaters across the country.