KARIN SCHAUPP is one of the most outstanding guitarists on the international scene. She performs widely on the international stage as a recitalist, concerto soloist and festival guest, and has given countless recitals in Australia, Europe, Asia, the US, Mexico and Canada. Karin’s playing receives the highest acclaim from critics and audiences alike and she is held in great esteem by her peers worldwide. Her unique stage presence and magical, passionate playing have inspired several composers to write works especially for her.
Karin’s guitar training began at the age of five, and while still in her teens she won prizes at international competitions in Lagonegro, Italy and Madrid, Spain. Taught almost exclusively by her guitarist mother, Isolde Schaupp, Karin completed her tertiary music studies at The University of Queensland with First Class Honours, a Masters degree and was the recipient of a University Gold Medal. In 2003 she was awarded the Music Council of Australia Freedman Fellowship in recognition of her achievements, and in 2013 was awarded the prestigious Music Fellowship (2014-2015) from the Australia Council for the Arts.
Karin has released six best-selling solo CDs for Warner Music and ABC Classics as well as various award-winning ensemble and orchestral albums. Releases include Wayfaring (2018) with cellist Umberto Clerici, the ARIA-award winning Songs of the Latin Skies (2017) with Australian songstress Katie Noonan; Mosaic (2015) the first ever CD dedicated to guitar concertos by Australian composers;the ARIA nominated Fandango (2011) with Flinders Quartet; and Cradle Songs (2010), a collection of lullabies from around the world, all arranged for solo guitar.
Karin has appeared live on television in many parts of the world: most notably performing solo to twenty million viewers and listeners in China, on the occasion of China Radio International’s 50th Anniversary celebrations and solo as part of a prestigious line-up of international artists in the opening Gala of the Goodwill Games, which was broadcast live on international television. She has also appeared on German, American and Canadian television and some of her Australian television appearances have resulted in an overwhelming response from viewers with record numbers of viewers calling in. Karin also plays regularly on radio, including numerous broadcasts of live recitals, as well as countless interviews and guest appearances.
Performance highlights include concertos with the London Philharmonic Orchestra (UK) in London’s Royal Festival Hall, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (USA), the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra; some 150 performance of Lotte’s Gift by David Williamson, performances at a Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony, Goodwill Games Opening Ceremony, World Expo (Japan), Hong Kong Arts Festival, and APEC Summit (Sydney); and her 2013 and 2023 national tours for Musica Viva Australia.
Karin is Head of Classical Guitar at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. She lives in Brisbane with her husband, Giac, and two young children.
Karin Schaupp’s appearance in the 2023 Brisbane Music Festival is supported by Vicki Brooke.