Stjepan Hauser, known professionally as HAUSER, is a Croatian cellist whose virtuosic playing and genre-defying performances have made him one of the most recognized classical musicians in the world.
As one half of the globally celebrated duo 2CELLOS, alongside fellow Croatian cellist Luka Šulić, Hauser helped redefine what it means to be a classical musician in the modern era, blending rigorous classical training with rock, pop, and cinematic influences to captivate audiences far beyond traditional concert halls.
Profile Details
| Full Name | Stjepan Hauser |
| Stage Name | HAUSER |
| Born | June 15, 1986 |
| Age | 39 years old |
| Birthplace | Pula, Croatia (then SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia) |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Occupation | Cellist, Musician, Philanthropist |
| Parents | Father and mother (mother is a percussionist); both musicians |
| Siblings | One sister, a journalist in Pula |
| Net Worth | $10 – $20 million USD |
Early Life
Stjepan Hauser was born on June 15, 1986, in Pula, Croatia, then part of SR Croatia within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He was born into a deeply musical family; his mother is a percussionist, and his sister works as a journalist in Pula. Music surrounded Hauser from his earliest years, and he began playing the cello at the age of eight after a transformative experience hearing the instrument on the radio, an encounter he has described as a life-changing moment due to the special vibrations and emotional resonance of the cello’s sound. This early spark ignited a lifelong devotion to the instrument, and Hauser quickly distinguished himself as a prodigious young talent, immersing himself in rigorous classical training from childhood.
Education
Hauser pursued an extensive and rigorous classical music education across multiple countries. He completed his secondary schooling in Rijeka, Croatia, before continuing his studies in Zagreb. He then traveled to the United Kingdom, where he completed his undergraduate degree at Trinity College of Music in London, studying under renowned cellist and teacher Natalia Pavlutskaya. He further refined his craft at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and later pursued additional studies at conservatories in Boston, in the United States. During his time studying in London, Hauser became a member of the acclaimed Greenwich Trio, alongside violinist Lana Trotovšek and pianist Yoko Misumi, a group once dubbed the “New Beaux Arts Trio” by legendary cellist Bernard Greenhouse. The trio went on to win multiple first prizes in prestigious music competitions across the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Italy.
Career
Stjepan Hauser’s professional career began in earnest in his early twenties, marked by performances across European festivals and concert series that quickly drew critical attention for his technical mastery and emotional depth. He achieved 21 first prizes in national and international cello competitions, including the prestigious VTB Capital Prize for Young Cellists in 2009. A defining early milestone came in October 2006, when Hauser was the only cellist chosen to perform at a gala concert at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy, honoring the late legendary cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, making Hauser the last student to have performed with Rostropovich before his passing. By his mid-twenties, Hauser had already performed in more than 40 countries across every continent, with notable debuts at iconic venues including Wigmore Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, and the South Bank Centre.
Hauser’s career trajectory changed dramatically when he reunited with his childhood friend and former cello rival, Luka Šulić, to form the duo 2CELLOS in 2011. Their breakthrough moment came when they uploaded a cello arrangement of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” to YouTube, a video that became a viral sensation within a week and led directly to a record deal with Sony Masterworks. The viral success also resulted in an invitation for the duo to join Elton John on his worldwide tour. 2CELLOS went on to appear on major television shows including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, multiple appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Lopez Tonight, and TV Total. They made history as the first instrumental act to perform on the popular TV series Glee, appearing in a Michael Jackson tribute episode.
The duo released several successful studio albums together, including their self-titled debut in 2011, IN2ITION in 2013, Score in 2017 (recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra), and Let There Be Cello in 2018. They toured extensively worldwide, performing alongside renowned artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, George Michael, and Leona Lewis, and continued touring with Elton John through October 2015. Following their 2019 US tour, 2CELLOS took an extended break to focus on individual solo classical projects, without officially announcing a separation. Hauser used this opportunity to launch his solo career, moving away from pop and rock covers to return to his classical roots, recording interpretations of works by Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Handel, and Mozart. His solo album, The Platinum Collection, was released in 2020, showcasing his exceptional skill and passion for classical repertoire. Unable to tour during the COVID-19 pandemic, he delivered a series of livestreamed performances titled “HAUSER: Alone Together.” His subsequent solo work has continued to chart successfully, with his album Classic II reportedly debuting at number one on Billboard’s classical charts. Throughout his career, Hauser has also collaborated with celebrated cellists including Bernard Greenhouse, Heinrich Schiff, Frans Helmerson, Arto Noras, Ralph Kirshbaum, Valter Despalj, and Philippe Muller.
Awards & Nominations
- VTB Capital Prize for Young Cellists (2009)
- Tunbridge Wells International Young Concert Artists Award
- New Zealand Adam Cello Competition Prize
- Multiple Porin Awards (Croatian music industry awards)
- 21 total first prizes in national and international cello competitions
- Ribbon of an Order of Danica Hrvatska (Croatian state honor)
- Multiple Gold and Platinum certifications with 2CELLOS
Social Media
Stjepan Hauser maintains a massive presence on social media, particularly on Instagram, where he has built a following of millions of fans eager to engage with his performances, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on his solo career, making him one of the most followed classical musicians in the world.
Personal Life
Stjepan Hauser was previously engaged to Croatian singer Jelena Rožga, though the couple split in late 2017. He has largely kept his personal life private since then, choosing instead to let his musical career and global touring define his public image. Beyond his musical pursuits, Hauser is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, having established the HAUSER Music Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting young and aspiring musicians, reflecting his commitment to nurturing the next generation of classical talent.
Net Worth
Stjepan Hauser’s estimated net worth ranges between $10 million and $20 million USD, a substantial fortune built over his career both as part of 2CELLOS and as a successful solo artist. His wealth stems from album sales and streaming royalties, extensive worldwide touring revenue, collaborations with major artists such as Elton John, brand partnerships, and continued chart success with his solo classical recordings. As one of the most commercially successful classical musicians of his generation, Hauser’s earning potential continues to grow through both live performances and digital music platforms.
Discography
As part of 2CELLOS, Hauser’s discography includes 2CELLOS (2011), In2ition (2013), S Trilogy (compilation), Celloverse (2015), Score (2017), and Let There Be Cello (2018). As a solo artist under the name HAUSER, his discography includes The Platinum Collection (2020), Rebel with a Cello, and Classic II.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Stjepan Hauser?
Stjepan Hauser, known professionally as HAUSER, is a Croatian cellist celebrated for co-founding the duo 2CELLOS and for his acclaimed solo classical career.
How did Stjepan Hauser become famous?
He became an internet sensation in 2011 after he and Luka Šulić uploaded a viral cello cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” to YouTube as 2CELLOS.
Did Stjepan Hauser study music formally?
Yes, he studied at Trinity College of Music in London, the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, and conservatories in Boston, USA.
What is Stjepan Hauser’s net worth?
His estimated net worth ranges between $10 million and $20 million USD.
Is Stjepan Hauser still part of 2CELLOS?
The duo took an extended break after their 2019 tour to pursue individual solo classical projects, without officially announcing a permanent separation.
Conclusion
Stjepan Hauser’s journey from a young boy in Pula captivated by the sound of the cello on the radio to becoming a globally celebrated classical music superstar is a testament to talent, discipline, and artistic innovation. Through his groundbreaking work with 2CELLOS and his flourishing solo career, Hauser has proven that classical musicians can achieve mainstream global success without compromising artistic integrity. As a cultural ambassador for Croatia and an inspiration to a new generation of cross-genre musicians, Stjepan Hauser’s influence on contemporary classical and popular music remains profound and enduring.