Stepan Hauser, the man who has “taken off” the cello, speaks exclusively to SKAI and Korina Georgiou.
His cello has traveled to iconic places in every corner of the globe, while his sensual melodies fascinate his countless admirers around the world.
The Croatian Stepan Hauser is only 35 years old and he has managed to make everyone talk about his rare talent but also an instrument that for many was … forgotten.
He speaks exclusively to SKAI and Korina Georgiou.
“I am very lucky to live in a city where there are social media, because I can share my music with everyone. I am very happy to have the opportunity to have so many fans from different cultures, with different backgrounds and to be able to show “How universal music is. Everyone understands this language, the language of music, the language of love,” says musician Stepan Hauser.
KG: To what extent do you think you have contributed to bringing classical music closer to young people?
Σ.X: It has always been my goal to bring cello and classical music closer to the general public and to make even the youngest people interested in this beautiful music and this great instrument. “From the beginning, when I started as part of 2Cellos with rock and pop tracks – now we have all kinds of music, with more variety – it has always been my goal to educate people to fall in love with this wonderful instrument and music in general.”
KG: Why do you think your cello is adored by the public and especially young people? Is it due to the fact that you carried the music and the cello outdoors and in emblematic places?
Σ.Χ: Yes, I think the main secret is the passion I put when I play and love. They can feel it. Because I really love playing music for the public. And then they send me back that love. I also play all kinds of music, pop, rock, classical, songs from movies, Latin, dance music, everything. And that’s important, we have to be open-minded. I have played music in the snow, in the water, on islands, at the top of mountains, in the desert, at the top of buildings, in all kinds of places and each of them has its own atmosphere and its own emotions. As a child I dreamed of playing in front of thousands of people. And my dream came true. I can not believe it. And that’s a message to young people. Dreams come true if you do not lay down your arms, if you stay true to your goal and believe in it. I have had faith all my life and now everything is going well.
“I was only two years old and I heard him playing the cello on the radio and I immediately fell in love. It was love at first hearing. But I was too young to play the cello, so I started making it out of cardboard. I was so desperate and so eager to play the cello. “I tried to make it myself. So it was written by fate.” describes Stepan.
KG: Have you ever been disappointed? Were you faced with obstacles and how did you manage to overcome them?
Σ.Χ: Of course, I encountered obstacles throughout my life. 35 years. But that is the beauty. You know no one believed that the cello could become so popular as an instrument that it could fill huge stadiums and arenas and accomplish it all. Why, you know, the cello was considered a boring instrument in a limited world of classical music. And even in this world it was not the most popular. I too had a revolutionary mood, I was angry, I wanted to change something, I wanted to make a revolution.
KG: You have collaborated with many popular artists such as Andrea Bocelli and Elton John. Who do you admire most and who has served as a role model for you?
Σ.Χ: Elton John was so generous with me at the beginning of my career, he helped me a lot and he has been a very good friend for many years, and I had the opportunity to learn from the best. It is an idol, a legend. And then (I collaborated) with Andrea Bocelli who comes from the world of opera. Therefore, it was a great pleasure for me to work with such idols of our time. And then I play with rock stars like Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Aerosmith. It’s crazy, you as a cellist to enter such different circles.
KG: Are you planning to visit Greece for a concert in the near future?
Σ.Χ: I would very much like to come soon, because I love your country. Your country is very similar to mine. I am from Croatia and we both have the most beautiful seas, islands. Well, I tell all my Greek friends that I look forward to coming to your beautiful country. Everything related to Greece is wonderful.
