Johanna Beisteiner Interview 
Johanna Beisteiner is an Austrian award-winning classical guitarist. She started playing the classical guitar at the age of nine after hearing Austrian folk songs and classical music as a young girl. With a lot of hard work and practicing, she gave her first recital at fifteen years of age and proceeded to enroll in the prestigious "Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts" when she was sixteen. She graduated as a concert guitarist and received a Doctorate in Philosophy. Today, Johanna performs as a solo artist and also with world class orchestras. In 2008, Johanna received the crystal trophy "200 Years Teatro della Concordia" (Italy). I recently caught up with Johanna.`
R.V.B. - What kind of music were you exposed to at a young age in the house where you grew up? What sparked you to play classical guitar as opposed to a traditional classical instrument?
J.B. - Since I grew up in the country, I was mainly exposed to Austrian folk music. On TV and radio, however, I also listened to classical music. One day my parents asked me if I wanted to learn how to play an instrument, I agreed and chose the guitar. I liked the sound of this instrument and was fascinated by the totally different movements of left and right hand.
R.V.B. - How often did you practice in your teens? Did you do any other fun activities as a young girl? Where was your first recital and how did it go?
J.B. - In my teens I practiced around 2 hours a day. I wanted to practice 3 hours, nearly like a professional, but because of school I didn't have enough time. It was very difficult to find any time for other activities. I played with my dog and cats. I gave my first recital at the age of 15 in my home town Wiener Neustadt. My program was difficult including "Sevilla" by Albéniz and "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" by Tárrega, but did not take up the whole evening, I played only 12 minutes. So, my performance was part of a concert given by several gifted young soloists. It was successful, and I had fun. In the same year I performed the first time with a chamber orchestra, we played Vivaldi's Guitar Concerto in D major.
R.V.B. - Were you aware of other genres of music such as pop, rock, or folk? Why did you choose classical?
J.B. - I listened to folk music and also to pop and jazz. Already as a child I liked the sound of classical music, was fascinated by the works of great composers and wanted to play them.
R.V.B. - Going to the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts at the age of 16 is a nice accomplishment. How did you enjoy your experience there? Did you meet a lot of other talented friends there that you still keep in touch with?
J.B. - My studies at the Vienna University of music at the age of only 16 were
shaping, of course. I met many great talents. One of them was the Hungarian composer Robert Gulya, who I started to work with in 1998 during the last year of my studies. He composed several works for me, and he became one of my best friends. Performing works by Robert Gulya is always a special feeling, because they were composed for me. Moreover, Robert has great ideas and brilliant techniques of composing.
shaping, of course. I met many great talents. One of them was the Hungarian composer Robert Gulya, who I started to work with in 1998 during the last year of my studies. He composed several works for me, and he became one of my best friends. Performing works by Robert Gulya is always a special feeling, because they were composed for me. Moreover, Robert has great ideas and brilliant techniques of composing.
R.V.B. - I see you have a doctorate in Philosophy. That is another major accomplishment, Do you also work in that field when you are not performing?
J.B. - At the moment I have no time for scientific work, I concentrate on my artistic projects only. Maybe in future I will pick up science again.
R.V.B. - During your school years, I'm sure you had to play your instrument in many settings such as: a soloist, in small ensembles, and with a large orchestra. When you finished school how did you go about getting gigs? Did you try to do the same thing by playing in multiple formats or just as a soloist at first?
J.B. - In the first years after my studies it was not easy to get gigs. Slowly, year by year, my situation improved. I played mainly as a soloist, but also presented programs with chamber music and orchestra.
R.V.B. - How do you enjoy performing with world class orchestras such as the Budapest and Sochi Symphony Orchestras. Are there any language issues?
J.B. - Playing with such great orchestras is always a special experience, of course. I enjoyed the work a lot. There are no language issues. The members of the orchestras and the concuctors speak German and English. I speak some Hungarian and Russian as well.
R.V.B. - Are there any favorite classical pieces of music that you really enjoy performing?
J.B. - I appreciate lots of classical composers, and enjoy performing their music. I cannot say which ones I like most.
R.V.B. - I bet playing festivals such as Festival Bravo Yekaterinburg and 200 Years Teatro Della Concordia are a lot of fun. Do you prefer playing in this atmosphere or in a more controlled indoor acoustically nice setting?
J.B. - The Teatro della Concordia and the concert halls in Yeakaterinburg, where the festivals took place, are beautiful indoor settings with excellent acoustics. So, most of the time I perform indoors, also at festivals. 
R.V.B. - How do you enjoy the travel? Do you get to enjoy the sights and history of the places that you visit when performing on the road?
J.B. - Traveling is interesting, of course. Unfortunately I don't always have enough time to go sightseeing, but usually I enjoy walking through the roads and visit some beautiful museums.
R.V.B. - How many guitars do you have? The one in the video looks like it has superb action and sound. I presume that's the one made by luthier Paulino Bernebe. Do you have any electric guitars?
J.B - I have two guitars made by Paulino Bernabe, which I play in my concerts, recordings and videos. I never had any electric guitar.
R.V.B. - It must be an honor to be able to perform world premiers of Eduard Shafransky. How did you meet him?
J.B. - I met Eduard Shafransky during my first Russian tour in 2002. He came to listen to my recital at Yekaterinburg Actor House and talked to me after the concert. He gave me some of his works, and I decided to perform them. It was a wonderful experience. He was an extremly friendly man, he showed me the town and we had lots of fun together.
R.V.B. - I see that you are keeping busy by appearing on movie soundtracks. What is going on these days? Are you writing any music? 
J.B. - In 2012 I performed my first own piece "Zemlinsky's night" based on themes by Alexander Zemlinsky. It was published on the CD "Austrian Rhapsody". At the moment I have no time for writing my own compositions, but I hope that next year I will have the opportunity to develop some pieces.
R.V.B. - Do you have any other hobbies other than music?
J.B. - I love working in the garden, going to museums and watching ballet.
R.V.B. - Thank you very much for considering answering my questions and as I've said, it's an honor for me.
J.B. - Many thanks and best wishes also to you!
Interview conducted by Robert von Bernewitz
This interview may not be reproduced in any part or form without permission.
For further information visit Johanna's website www.beisteiner.com
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