Stjepan Hauser

Stjepan Hauser – Life, Career, and Musical Vision

Explore Stjepan Hauser — the Croatian cellist and founding half of 2Cellos, whose virtuosity, genre-blending, and personal philosophy have redefined what the cello can convey. Discover his biography, musical path, quotes, and legacy.

Introduction

Stjepan Hauser (born June 15, 1986) is a Croatian cellist known for his bold fusion of classical, rock, and popular music. As one half of the internationally acclaimed duo 2Cellos, and now as a solo artist (often stylized as HAUSER), he has helped bring the cello to new audiences, breaking barriers of genre and expectation. His journey reflects both deep classical training and a restless creative spirit.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Hauser was born in Pula, Croatia, in 1986. He grew up in a musical family: his mother is a percussionist, which exposed him early to rhythm and ensemble interaction.

He began learning the cello at around age eight, drawn to its expressive depth and its closeness to the human voice. In youth, he pursued rigorous musical training in Croatia and abroad.

His formal studies included time in Rijeka and Zagreb, followed by education in the UK and elsewhere—studying under teachers such as Natalia Pavlutskaya in London and Ralph Kirshbaum in Manchester. He also studied with the renowned cellist Bernard Greenhouse in the U.S.

During a summer music camp when he was a teenager, he met Luka Šulić, with whom he later formed the celebrated duo 2Cellos.

Career and Achievements

2Cellos: Redefining the Cello in Popular Culture

Hauser and Šulić officially launched 2Cellos in 2011. Their breakthrough came with a cello arrangement of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal, whose viral video captured massive attention. Over time, 2Cellos released multiple albums, delivered concerts worldwide, and appeared on television shows like Glee.

Under 2Cellos, Hauser helped popularize the idea that the cello could inhabit rock, pop, and film music spaces—while still retaining classical sensibility.

The duo formally concluded their joint touring era (though Hauser continues as a solo artist).

Solo – “HAUSER” & Independent Voice

As HAUSER, Stjepan has built a solo career combining virtuosic technique, programming that spans classical to cinematic, and a charismatic stage presence. He released “Hauser Classic” in 2020 with the London Symphony Orchestra and Prague Symphony.

He also sings in his concerts, adding a vocal element to his performances.

Hauser tours widely, performing in major venues across Europe and beyond, bridging audiences who might not otherwise attend classical performance.

Style, Philosophy & Influence

Genre Fluidity & Audience Expansion

Hauser has repeatedly expressed the conviction that great music transcends genre. “Great music is great music. It doesn’t matter what genre it belongs.” He also said:

“If we just stick to one kind of music, our creativity is limited. … we wanted to extend the audience for the cello … to show them how cool … and how powerful … the cello can be.”

He sees his mission as uniting various audiences (rock, classical, pop) and demonstrating the cello’s versatility.

Role of the Internet & Democratization

Hauser credits the internet with playing a pivotal role in his and 2Cellos’ reach:

“The Internet was crucial for our success. It is a great thing. It is a big democracy because people can choose what they like.”

His approach acknowledges that traditional gatekeeping in classical music can be bypassed by direct audience connection.

Personal Wisdom & Self-Authenticity

One of his more introspective remarks:

“Very often, people are obsessed with what others think of them. … A flower is a flower, and that’s enough.”

This reflects an emphasis on staying true to oneself, even amid public scrutiny.

Legacy and Continuing Impact

• Bridging worlds: Hauser’s success has inspired younger classical musicians to embrace crossover and outreach beyond concert halls.

• Redefining cello identity: Where the cello was often seen as strictly classical, he helped reshape it into a dynamic, modern, emotional instrument.

• Global reach: Through viral videos and tours, he has connected with millions across musical tastes and geographies.

• Inspiring authenticity: His philosophical words about identity and creativity offer encouragement beyond music—that one need not conform to others’ expectations.

His ongoing solo work suggests that his influence will continue, evolving and resonating as he tests new forms, partnerships, and sounds.

Selected Quotes of Stjepan Hauser

Here are several notable quotes by Hauser that reflect his outlook on music, creativity, and identity:

• “Great music is great music. It doesn’t matter what genre it belongs.”

• “If we just stick to one kind of music, our creativity is limited … we wanted to … show them how cool … the cello can be.”

• “The Internet was crucial for our success. … It is a big democracy because people can choose what they like.”

• “Very often, people are obsessed with what others think of them … A flower is a flower, and that’s enough.”

• “We are so excited to be touring and showing audiences the versatility of the cello.”

Conclusion

Stjepan Hauser’s journey—from a childhood in Pula, through rigorous classical study, to global stages with 2Cellos and now a solo career—illustrates a musician committed to expanding boundaries. His philosophy, talent, and authenticity have helped the cello speak to new ears, making it relevant, exciting, and deeply personal. Whether you're a longtime classical fan or new to instrumental music, Hauser’s trajectory invites appreciation, curiosity, and a belief that music—and the artist—need not be constrained by genre.

If you’d like, I can also prepare a shorter version, a timeline infographic, or a list of his key recordings and milestones.