About

Michelle Sweegers (1997) is a Dutch concert harpist and is considered one of the most remarkable harp talents of her generation. She is known for her varied and narrative programs in which 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 genre-defying.

Her career is developing at a rapid pace, with performances in the Netherlands and abroad, 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 in radio and TV programs such as Podium Witteman, Spiegelzaal, Zwarte Prietpraat, and De Wereld Draait Door. She is also part of the renowned MAESTRO orchestra and can regularly be heard on NPO Radio 4.

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

She won awards at the Prinses Christina Concours, the Concours International de Harpes in Limoges, the Rosa Spier Concours, and the International Harp Competition Felix Godefroid. In addition, she attended masterclasses with renowned harpists such as Isabelle Perrin, Sasha Boldachev, Deborah Henson-Conant, and Gwyneth Wentink.

Michelle’s versatility makes her a sought-after artist in both 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 limited to traditional contexts but can shine in concert halls, at festivals, and in innovative compositions. As a performing musician, Michelle is known for her artistic curiosity, her professional attitude, and her ability to touch a wide audience with the unexpected power and beauty of the harp.

In addition to 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 De Goudboom, a unique project in which story, image, and music come together, was published. The book is richly illustrated by fairy tale artist Maggie Gunzel and is narrated by the enchanting voice of Karin Bloemen. Around this book, Michelle developed a music theater performance of the same name, with which she is currently touring schools and theaters across the country.