The Magic of the harp

Whether it's “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica, “Let It Be” by the Beatles, classical masterpieces, or traditional folk tunes – Claudia Entleitner brings them all to life on her harp. What surprises many comes naturally to her. But all these melodies have one thing in common: they touch the soul.

Claudia Entleitner from Hopfgarten im Brixental knew as early as elementary school that the harp was her instrument. “Back then, a harpist visited our class, and I was fascinated from the very first moment.” With support from her music teacher, she soon began performing after just a few rehearsals. By the age of 19, she was playing regularly in hotels – a passion that still brings her to the stage almost every week. She only took a short break during the precious time after the birth of her two wonderful children.

“Music is part of my life – it goes under the skin. Whether you feel good or bad, music heals the soul.” Claudia firmly believes. In addition to the harp, she also plays pan flute, block flute, keyboard, and guitar. Her versatility and openness to various genres shape her repertoire: “From Metallica and the Beatles to classical masterpieces and traditional folk tunes – I play everything. It's important to me to connect tradition and modernity, and to carry forward the cultural heritage of our region.”

Claudia has left behind her original profession as a primary school teacher: “I had a teaching position in Kitzbühel focused on music, directed musicals, and oversaw a class with various instruments. But after my children were born, I decided to fully live my dream – as a mother and musician. For me, music isn’t work. When you see the sparkle in the eyes of your young and adult listeners and how deeply your music moves them – that’s the most beautiful applause for me.”

For Claudia, the harp with its gentle vibrations is the perfect instrument for relaxation. “Besides, it’s simply part of Tyrolean cultural heritage. I’ve had my harp since I was 15, and it still accompanies me today. It’s incredibly robust, has been through a lot, and still sounds wonderful.”

Speaking of “been through a lot,” Claudia doesn’t just mean the usual wear and tear of such an instrument – hers goes on truly extraordinary journeys. When inspiration strikes, she’ll sometimes load her impressive harp into a gondola and ride up into the Kitzbühel Alps. There, she films unique music videos or lets nature guide her, playing spontaneous melodies that come to mind and sharing her music with the vast mountain landscape.

When asked about her connection to home, there’s no doubt in Claudia’s answer: “I belong in the mountains.” She once lived in Italy during a study stay – the land of great composers like Vivaldi, Verdi, and Puccini – but her heart led her back: “My home is the Kitzbühel Alps.” There she explores the outdoors with her husband and two children – hiking, skiing, or biking to catch an unforgettable sunset at a golden summit cross. After a day in the fresh mountain air, one thing matters most to her: good, regional food. Fresh ingredients from the farm, home-cooked – that’s what quality of life means to her. And she truly enjoys how seamlessly her career and family life intertwine.

Her children are growing up surrounded by music and are encouraged to explore it playfully. “I believe this is incredibly important for their development – it trains dexterity, stimulates the brain, and connects the senses.” As for the future, she doesn’t have a concrete plan. Perhaps a band of her own? New musical projects? One thing is certain: music will always be a part of her life. “I’m simply grateful that I get to do what makes me happy – and that I can touch other people with my music.”

#Kitzbüheler Alpen | #LebenswegeTirol