The Dutch Harp Festival Association (DHF) has announced the 2026 edition of its World Harp Competition. The international competition is open to harpists of all ages and nationalities, and welcomes repertoire from any genre. The competition consists of four rounds: a pre-selection round, an online video round, the semifinals, and the finals. The semifinals and finals will be held live in Utrecht, the Netherlands, on April 16–18, 2026.
“This unique international competition invites harpists of all styles, backgrounds, and nationalities to apply—with a focus not just on technical ability, but on artistic originality and personal expression,” the competition organizers say in a press release. “Whether you play classical pedal harp, folk harp, or have your own improvisatory style of electric jazz, you’re invited to join in. This is a one-of-a-kind chance!”
In the pre-selection and video rounds, contestants design and pitch a creative original program, which must be 45 minutes in length and must feature the applicant’s live performance on the harp. Applicants are free to choose all other aspects of the program, including repertoire, staging, instrumentation, and theme. The competition will accept applications for the pre-selection round from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1, 2025. Candidates will be notified by Oct. 22 whether they have been selected to participate in the video round (which consists of submitting five- to eight-minute video previews of the original programs each candidate has designed). These video submissions are due Dec. 12.
Following the video round, the DHF will invite a maximum of 14 candidates to perform in the semifinals. Three candidates will advance to the finals. The day of the finals and award announcements coincides with the 1,000 Strings Festival (the new name of the Dutch Harp Festival event), which will take place on April 18. The first prize winner will receive €5,000 and the continuing support of the Care, Coaching, and Career Development Program (including sessions with a career coach and performance opportunities between the 2026 competition and the next edition of the competition in 2028). The competition also awards second prize, third prize, and an audience award (based on audience voting on performances in the semifinals).
For more information, visit the competition’s website.
