Andreas Vollenweider

Andreas Vollenweider was born on October 4, 1953, in Zürich, Switzerland, to Hans Vollenweider, an organist and composer, and a painter mother. In 1975, Vollenweider discovered the harp. He adapted the instrument to his musical vision, creating a modified electroacoustic harp. This innovative approach allowed him to develop a unique style that blended classical and folk music with global vocal and percussive elements, contributing significantly to the emerging new-age genre. He formed the trio Poesie und Musik with Rene Bardet and Orlando Valentini, interpreting poetry, and also composed music for nature documentaries during this early period.

Vollenweider’s solo career began with his 1979 debut album, ‘Eine Art Suite in XIII Teilen.’ He subsequently formed ‘Andreas Vollenweider and Friends,’ debuting at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1981. His collaboration with German producer Vera Brandes led to international success with albums like ‘Behind the Gardens – Behind the Wall – Under the Tree…’ (1981) and ‘Caverna Magica’ (1983), both appearing on German album charts. His 1984 album, ‘White Winds,’ entered the American Billboard chart, distributed by CBS Masterworks. He received a Grammy Award in 1987 for his album ‘Down to the Moon.’ Throughout the 1980s, Vollenweider toured extensively in North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia, building a global following without significant radio play by relying on live performances and word-of-mouth. His concerts were characterized by atmospheric elements like lights and dry ice, enhancing the musical experience.

The 1990s saw Vollenweider continue to evolve his sound, incorporating symphonic orchestral elements in ‘Book of Roses’ (1991) and vocals with guest artists Carly Simon and Eliza Gilkyson on ‘Eolian Minstrel’ (1993–94). He participated in a benefit show for Chernobyl’s children on Moscow’s Red Square in 1992 and received the World Music Award in Monaco the same year. A notable appearance included performing with Luciano Pavarotti and Bryan Adams at the Pavarotti and Friends event in Modena in 1994. His 1999 album ‘COSMOPOLY’ further expanded his ‘world music’ collaborations, featuring artists like Bobby McFerrin, Milton Nascimento, and Abdullah Ibrahim. In the 2000s, Vollenweider continued touring globally, collaborating with Hans Zimmer on the film score for ‘Tears of the Sun’ (2002-2003) and performing for the Dalai Lama in Zürich. His album ‘Midnight Clear’ (2006) marked another collaboration with Carly Simon, and he received his third Grammy nomination for the soundtrack to his DVD, ‘The Magical Journeys of Andreas Vollenweider.’ In 2012, Vollenweider received the Swiss Music Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ for his continuing contributions to music.