Eleonora, originally from Italy, has been captivated by music since childhood. Growing up in a household filled with the sounds of her mother playing piano and harp, Eleonora's journey into the world of music began early. Inspired by her mother, she was introduced to classical music, attending concerts and developing an appreciation for its nuances.
Drawn to the Harp
Her fascination with the harp was immediate, drawn as much to its sound as its elegance. However, it wasn’t until she was tall enough to play the instrument that she could fully embrace it. In the meantime, she started with piano lessons at the age of six under her mother’s guidance. By age 11, she was admitted to the prestigious Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, where she graduated with a degree in classical harp in 2015.
To further refine her craft, Eleonora pursued a Master’s degree in harp and music pedagogy at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano, Switzerland, graduating in 2017. These years were rich with opportunities, from performing solo and in ensembles to singing with the renowned children’s choir of Teatro alla Scala in Milan. Immersed in this inspiring artistic environment, Eleonora honed her skills and deepened her love for classical music.
A Leap into Jazz
For many years, Eleonora’s focus was exclusively on classical music. Her path seemed set, with plans to become a professional musician solidified during her high school years. However, a chance encounter in 2015 with a jazz bassist would change the course of her musical journey. Playing free improvisations alongside him and a drummer friend marked her first foray outside the world of classical music. Though unfamiliar with jazz theory and improvisation, Eleonora was intrigued.
Encouraged by her newfound collaborator, who would later become her husband, Eleonora began exploring jazz more deeply. During her Master’s studies, she attended an introductory course on jazz and sought guidance from her bassist friend to better understand the genre. This marked the beginning of a transformative period of her career, where she started bridging her classical foundation with the spontaneity of jazz.
Masterclasses and Full Immersion
In 2018, Eleonora attended her first jazz masterclass in Nuoro, Sardinia, under Marcella Carboni, an acclaimed Italian jazz harpist. This experience introduced her to the world of jazz improvisation and highlighted the need to deepen her knowledge of jazz harmony. Determined to grow, she enrolled in an independent jazz arrangement course at Scuola Civica di Musica Salvatore Licitra between 2020 and 2023. There, she learned to compose for big bands and experiment with integrating the harp into the rhythm section.
In 2022, she returned to the Nuoro jazz masterclass and earned a scholarship to compose and perform original jazz music in an ensemble. This became her first significant experience as both a jazz harpist and composer, solidifying her place in this unique niche.
Inspirations and influences
Eleonora’s journey has been shaped by a diverse array of inspirations. She draws heavily from classical composers like Carlos Salzedo, Paul Hindemith, Claude Debussy, and Maurice Ravel, who revolutionized harp compositions in the 19th and 20th centuries. Their works have influenced her technical mastery and appreciation for the harp’s potential in classical settings.
In jazz, Eleonora finds inspiration in the pioneering work of Dorothy Ashby, who established the harp as an improvisational jazz instrument. Contemporary harpists like Park Stickney, Edmar Castaneda, Marcella Carboni, and Stina Hellberg have also played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic vision. Beyond the harp, she admires jazz legends such as J.J. Johnson, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Keith Jarrett, whose innovative approaches continue to fuel her creativity.
A new chapter in Malmö
In her quest to redefine the harp’s role in jazz, Eleonora found a home at Malmö Academy of Music. The institution’s openness to including the harp in jazz ensembles provided a rare opportunity for her to develop her compositions and perform them in a collaborative setting. This supportive environment has allowed her to push boundaries, challenging traditional perceptions of the harp as solely a classical instrument.
Eleonora’s decision to study abroad stemmed from a desire to find a community that valued her unique aspirations. At Malmö Academy of Music, she continues to grow as both a musician and composer, inspired by teachers and peers who share her passion for innovation.
Dreams of the future
Looking ahead, Eleonora envisions a bright future for her music. She is currently working on her first musical project, with plans to record an album and perform at jazz festivals. Her curiosity about jazz composition fuels her ambition to experiment with ensembles of varying sizes, from duos to big bands, all while incorporating the harp in innovative ways and carving a unique path for herself in the world of music.