Interview with Julia Hagen

"I am very strict with myself."

Julia Hagen was born in Salzburg in 1995 and began playing the cello at the age of five. Her studies with Enrico Bronzi in Salzburg and Reinhard Latzko in Vienna were followed by formative years in Heinrich Schiff's class in Vienna from 2013 to 2015, and finally studies with Jens Peter Maintz at the Berlin University of the Arts. As a scholarship recipient of the Kronberg Academy, Hagen also studied with Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt until 2022. She was a prize winner at the International Cello Competition in Liezen and the Mazzacurati Cello Competition, and has received numerous awards, including the Hajek-Boss-Wagner Culture Prize and the Nicolas Firmanich Prize of the Verbier Festival Academy as best young cellist. Julia Hagen is the winner of the Credit Suisse Young Artist Award 2024.

Your father is already a famous cellist. Isn't it problematic to learn the same instrument and follow the same career path?
No, since my father is my father and not the famous cellist, it's not a problem for me. We don't compare ourselves and simply enjoy each other's playing. As children, he wanted to protect my siblings and me from the large shoes of a successful musician and asked us to only pursue music as a hobby, but that obviously didn't work so well for me, as music was simply my great passion. He's very happy with my decision today.

Your CV doesn't mention anywhere that you received lessons from your father. Didn't you want that?
No, it became clear when I was five that I didn't want to practice with my dad, so we kept things separate. I never had lessons from him, nor did he
practice with me at home. The nice thing about it was that much later, in my early twenties, I could still approach him with specific questions. But he never forced himself on me and was simply there when I needed him.

Your mother is also a musician. Did you ever consider other career paths, or was it clear from an early age that you would also become a musician?
For example, if I had injured my hand as a teenager, I would have wanted to study history.

You are the winner of the Credit Suisse Young Artist Award 2024. How important is this award to you, what does it mean?
For me, it's an incredible honor! As a child, I witnessed Sol Gabetta receiving the award. Even then, I realized what a special distinction it was. My predecessors are great musical role models of mine, and performing with the Vienna Philharmonic is an absolute dream! I live in Vienna and love going to their concerts. Being able to share the stage with them is a tremendous gift. So, all in all: yes, the award means a great deal to me, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be the new recipient.

As a prize, you will have the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Vienna Philharmonic under the direction of Christian Thielemann. Are you allowed to choose the piece yourself?
Generally, I have free choice regarding the repertoire, but it will of course be coordinated with Christian Thielemann and the Lucerne Festival, since the plans for 2024 were already finalized and many works had already been "assigned".

How strict are you with yourself?
I'm very strict with myself, and that's definitely something I'm working on. While I think it's important to constantly challenge yourself and strive to improve, it's equally important to acknowledge your achievements and be proud of yourself, instead of always dwelling on that one small mistake.

What kind of music touches you the most?
The kind that comes from the heart. Where you can feel that the performer is truly putting all their emotions into it and playing with body and soul.

What do you do immediately before a performance? Is there a routine?
It varies a lot. Sometimes I do absolutely nothing, sometimes I absolutely need a hot cup of tea beforehand, sometimes I do special breathing exercises and try to put myself in a relaxed state, sometimes I just want to listen to my loved ones beforehand – so it varies a lot, depending on my mood and how I feel.

What special experiences on stage will you never forget?
The first concert after the second long lockdown. The desire to be able to share music again was so incredibly strong, and the experience on stage so overwhelming, that after months of not playing, tears simply streamed down my face during the final applause.

What passions do you have besides music?
People give me energy, I enjoy painting (even if I'm not very good at it), I love going out into nature with our dog, relaxing, skiing, and drinking whiskey sours.

Interview by Florian Schär | Classicpoint.net | February 1, 2024
Photo: Simon Pauly

Next concerts

June 20, 2026 - SCHWARZENBERG SCHUBERTIADE: Chamber Concert R. Capuçon, G. Caussé, J. Hagen et al. June
2026 - SCHWARZENBERG SCHUBERTIADE: Chamber Concert Hagen Quartet, Julia Hagen
August 5, 2026 - Widely Spanned
August 24, 2026 - SCHWARZENBERG SCHUBERTIADE: Chamber Concert V. Eberle, J. Hagen, L. Sternath