The duo "Saitenblicke" was formed in 2022 with the aim of exploring new perspectives through chamber music. At first glance, the instruments may seem from different backgrounds, but numerous characteristics unite the harp and the guitar. The nearly identical production of delicate sound that can fill a concert hall, as well as the ability to work chamber musically beyond the usual paths, laid the foundation for the collaboration between Feodora-Johanna Mandel and Oliver Thedieck.
Although the number of original compositions for harp and guitar is manageable, it is constantly growing. Through clever arrangements of other works, the existing repertoire can be excellently complemented, resulting in the creation of an artistically valuable and entertaining concert program. This leads to numerous facets that may not be expected at first glance.
Feodora-Johanna Mandel studied harp and received an artistic diploma from the music conservatories in Würzburg and Munich. She went on to complete a master class with Prof. Cristina Bianchi. She also obtained additional qualifications in elementary music education and school music. She is a laureate of numerous national and international competitions and has received support from institutions such as the "Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes" and the "Deutsche Stiftung Musikleben". From 2008 to 2010, she was engaged with the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden and regularly performed as a guest with various orchestras. In addition to her concert activity, she teaches harp, including serving as a lecturer at the Musikhochschule München from 2013 to 2015 and in her own harp class. She works as a music teacher at a gymnasium in Würzburg, serves as an evaluator in accreditation procedures, and is a juror for "Jugend Musiziert". She has also published materials on the harp for use in general education schools through Helbling and Lugert Verlag.
For further information, please visit Feodora Johanna Mandel's website.
