Devotion in Every Note: Johanna Habersetzer’s Platinum Journey at the World Artistry Music Award 2025
- WOMCO
- Oct 19
- 4 min read
Young German pianist Johanna Habersetzer has received the Platinum Prize and the Outstanding Technique Special Prize in the Young Artist (Age 14–17) category at the World Artistry Music Award 2025, Season 2. The competition was held from March 20 to June 20, 2025, with results announced in July 2025.
At just 14, Johanna has already built an impressive artistic path marked by sensitivity, precision, and depth beyond her years. In this exclusive interview, she reflects on her musical beginnings, preparation for her award-winning performance, and the values that define her as a young artist.
Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?
Johanna Habersetzer:
"My name is Johanna Habersetzer, I am 14 years old and from Germany. I’m in ninth grade and started playing the piano at the age of 6. I started playing music at the age of 4. My mother accompanied an orchestra on the piano and took me to rehearsals because I had always been interested in her musical activities. Soon, the conductor let me play the triangle or xylophone in some parts of the pieces. At home, I listened to my mother preparing for the orchestra rehearsals and tried out my first melodies and chords on the piano. When I turned 6, my mother enrolled me in Music School. I decided to take piano lessons because I was particularly fascinated by this instrument's ability to play solo pieces independently as well as accompany other musicians."
Could you tell us more about your award-winning work? For instance, how did you prepare it, bring it to life, or any interesting stories behind the scenes?
Johanna Habersetzer:
"When I started preparing for competitions, I knew I would need an interesting program that would suit me and that I’d enjoy to perform. When I chose to learn the first out of the “Six Wooded Pieces” I was looking for a new, rarely played modern piece and this one immediately got me. Secondly, I had always liked Beethoven, mainly because of the diversity of his work, so I decided to play the Sonata Nr. 7 Rondo, just because I loved the sudden changes between the calmer and the faster parts with more movement. For the third piece, I chose Rachmaninov whose music I’ve always liked a lot. When I heard the fourth musical moment interpreted by my favourite Pianist, Nikolai Lugansky I wanted to play it immediately."
What do you believe defines a great Pianist, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?
Johanna Habersetzer:
"In my opinion a great Pianist isn’t only defined by an outstanding technique, but especially by their devotion to each piece. It’s important to make a piece “your own” in order for people to like it. Music isn’t always about high tempo, it’s more about showing the audience what’s actually hidden behind all those notes. For myself I always try to express music in a special way, that no one has heard before. I like putting accents or volume changes into the works I’m playing, to make them sound more interesting and unique."
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?
Johanna Habersetzer:
"Although I have already taken part in many online competitions, it is always something very special for me. It makes me happy and proud that my performance has impressed such a distinguished international jury, as this is a big step forward on my musical journey.
First of all I’d like to thank my mother, who is also my piano teacher. Without her, her time and devotion and her lessons, nothing of this would’ve been possible. I also want to thank my father for all the support and the time he’s made up for the recordings for all these competitions."
Biography
"I’m Johanna Habersetzer, 14 years old and I started playing the piano when I was 6 at the exact same time I entered first grade. In 2020, at the age of 10, I took part in the Jugend Musiziert competition in my age category for the first time and won first prize. In 2023, I won first prize in the regional Jugend Musiziert competition and second prize in the state Jugend Musiziert competition. Since 2024, I have been taught by my mother and attend master classes. I took part in several national piano competitions and won prizes at the Bach Competition in Köthen (special prize for the best interpretation of a modern piano piece) and the Carl Bechstein Competition in Berlin (sponsorship prize). Since 2023, I have participated in various international online piano competitions and won gold and platinum prizes. I am particularly passionate about modern and atonal piano music, unusual interpretations of well-known pieces and interpretations of rare and forgotten pieces. I also enjoy listening to music and attending live concerts. For me, it is also an opportunity to learn and discover new repertoire."
