2010 USA International Harp Competition

The 8th USA International Harp Competition will take place July 2010 in Bloomington, Indiana. It is open to harpists of all nationalities between the ages of ages 16-32 as of the July 1, 2010. Acceptance will be based upon the materials submitted, which will be reviewed by a selection committee. All stages of the competition will be open to the public. Applications must be accompanied by:

Copy of Birth Certificate
Three publicity photos, suitable for printing
Three letters from teachers or professionals musicians recommending participation in the 2010 USA IHC, including one from the applicant’s most recent teacher
A biography which includes performance experience, prizes and honors, a list of harp teachers, schools, conservatories and number of years of harp study. Reviews and press materials may be enclosed as well.
A list showing works chosen for Stages 1, 2 and 3
Entry fee of US $150 payable to “USA IHC”. The entry fee will not be refunded to participants unable to take part in the competition.

    -Upon request, publicity materials may be returned to the applicant at the end of the competition.
    -All works are to be performed from memory except the required contemporary work in Stage 3
    -Notifications of acceptance will be mailed on April 15, 2010.

Judging

The USA International Harp Competition maintains the highest international standards of excellence in the performance of solo harp. Up to forty-five contestants will be accepted, based on a selection committee review of application materials submitted. The participants, will be evaluated on the basis of musicianship, technique and artistic presentation. For each stage, the contestants with the highest average scores advance. Performances in each stage are evaluated independently of performances in earlier stages.

The USA International Harp Competition is open to harpists of any nationality aged between 16 and 32. Between forty and fifty contestants are accepted, based on a selection committee review of application materials submitted. The USA International Harp Competition maintains the highest international standards of excellence in the performance of solo harp. The participants, therefore, are evaluated as young concert artists on the basis of musicianship, technique and artistic presentation.

For Stages I, II and III each juror awards each contestant a single numerical score using the following scale:

Excellent 21 – 25
Very good 16 – 20
Good 11 – 15
Poor 0 – 10

For each stage, the contestants with the highest average scores advance. No more than half of the contestants in Stage I may advance to Stage II. No more than eight contestants from Stage II may advance to the semi-final round. Three finalists will advance to the final stage. Performances in each stage are evaluated independent of performances in earlier stages. In the final stage, each juror casts a vote for the contestant he or she deems the winner.

The First Prize goes to the candidate who receives the majority of votes. Second Prize is determined in the same manner. Prizes are awarded to the top eight finishers. The order of finish for fourth through eighth place is determined by contestants’ average scores in the third stage. Additional prizes for specific performances are awarded by vote of the jury. All prizes will be awarded.

Jury

The jury will consist of internationally recognized harpists, teachers and musicians. All decisions of the jury are final. Jurors will abstain from judging any participants who are or have been their students.