Competition

The competition part of the International Harp Competition & Festival, The Netherlands will consist of three stages and takes place from the 24th until the 27th of March.

One of the main goals of the competition is fairness and transparency. To get an as honest and objective result as possible, the jury will not only consist of internationally acclaimed harpists, but also other musicians. Furthermore, during the first stage the jury will judge from behind a screen, so that the focus will be on musical performance only. Also, the rules of the Competition can be downloaded for inspection.

The core of the organization consists of music students. Consequently, the committee has the unprecedented opportunity to think from the participant’s point of view. As the committee wants to utilize this event to promote the harp as a true solo instrument, a programme has been sought-after that distinguishes itself.

After the short first stage, the contestants will have the opportunity to present a programme including various contrasting styles, avoiding the common repertoire. A specially commissioned Dutch composition by H. Alkema will give the programme additional distinction.

For the final stage, the Concerto for Harp op. 25 by A. Ginastera has been selected; a piece that is an inspiration for many harpists, requiring all capacities of the performer, while breaking away from the persistent, notoriously ‘angelical’ image.

Learn more about the competition in the following pages.