Ladislav Papp
Harpist Ladislav Papp was born in Bratislava, Slovakia, on 1 November 1979. He studied at the Bratislava Conservatory in the class of Prof. Ludmila Sawiczová. His first big success was winning first prize at the international competition in Vienna in 1998.
It was not only the prize that was decisive for his future career, but also the acquaintance with the world-renowned harp maker Victor Salvi.
With the financial support of Mr Salvi, Ladislav Papp could continue his studies at the Zurich Conservatory in the class of Prof. Catherine Michel. He also received a scholarship from the Kiwanis Club of Zurich because of his successful studies. In 2003, he successfully completed his studies by attaining his higher education diploma.
In the same year, Ladislav worked as a solo harpist at the Darmstadt State Opera and he was also admitted to the master class of Prof. Xavier de Maistre in Hamburg, where he trained further as an artist. Since 2004 he has been a member of the Stage Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera and a permanent substitute for the Vienna Philharmonic at the same time. Ladislav has also tirelessly devoted himself to chamber music in the duo with his wife, flutist Justina Papp.
He not only appeared as a soloist in Slovakia (Bratislavské hudobné Slavností), but he also took part in other major events and festivals in Prague, Budapest and Geneva.
Ladislav Papp brought his first CD out in 1999, titled “Harp is my No.1”.
Competitions and prizes:
- 1998. Reinl Award International Competition, Vienna (A) - 1st Prize
- 1998. Conservatory competition in Bratislava - 1st Prize
- 1999. Pressburger music festival SK - International competition for young performers - 1st Prize
- 2001. Central European Festival of Concert Art, Žilina (SK) - Critics' Prize
- 2002. Kiwani’s Music Award for Harp, Zurich (CH) - 1st prize