Fueled by his passion for capturing light and beauty within music, Jonathan Schneider is a harpist who tells important stories by creating vibrant soundscapes. Beginning piano lessons at the age of 5, he quickly fell in love with music, often finding himself sitting down to explore the instrument and play through new music. After watching Disney’s The Aristocats, he was inspired to play the harp; after going around the community selling chocolate bars to raise money for a harp, he was able to buy a lever harp and begin his studies under the tutelage of Elisa Torres, the Principal Harpist for the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. The transition from piano to harp was natural and he started participating in competitions at the age of 13. Jonathan had the opportunity of participating several times in Symphonic Experience, a program that prepares young musicians to perform in a concert alongside members of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. These experiences were vital to his growth and the idea of becoming a professional musician slowly grew in his heart.
At 17, Jonathan debuted with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra in the traditional “Three Kings” Concert, and a few years later, in 2018, returned as winner of the soloist competition of the Symphonic Experience program, performing Debussy’s Dances for harp and orchestra. After this milestone, he realized that even when performing for large audiences and in important concert halls, the stage was simply a place to do what he loved. That same year, he won the Concerto Competition at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, where he was then pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Harp Performance. As a result, he had the blessing of premiering Gabriel Pierne’s Concertstück in Puerto Rico with the Symphonic Orchestra of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico. These opportunities helped Jonathan to realize the potential there was as a musician for connecting with the audience and sharing his love for beauty and God’s light with others that might need it.
During this formative time, he also had the opportunity of taking private lessons and masterclasses with internationally lauded harpists such as Ms. Susann McDonald, Dr. Ann Yeung, Park Stickney, Maria Luisa Rayan Forrero, and Brandee Younger. Jonathan graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree, Suma Cum Laude in Harp Performance, from the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and has since been playing with ensembles and orchestras such as the Philharmonic Orchestra Arturo Somohano and the Orfeón San Juan Bautista. Currently, Jonathan is studying under Dr. Ann Yeung at the University of Illinois, where he enjoys being surrounded by music and all the beauty that accompanies the changing of the seasons.
With harmonious strummed chords on a work of art, the harp makes the perfect addition to your event. Whether adding…
