French harpists Agnès Bérard and Primor Sluchin have co-founded a new charity organization called 1%HARP to gather and distribute resources to provide more opportunities to play the harp. “We all know we play a wonderful instrument that is still difficult to access [due to] not only the initial cost of purchasing a harp but also the cost of maintaining it,” says Bérard, who serves as the association’s president. “This was brought home to us sharply during our trip to the 9th Harp Week in Buenos Aires in 2023, and as a result, Primor Sluchin and I decided to set up a charity to raise funds and create a network of solidarity between harpists around the world.”
The organization invites harpists to consider donating one percent of their total harp income or one percent of the total price of new harps they purchase. Harpists also have the option to donate instruments and musical equipment and to set up a monthly donation of a set amount. Bérard adds that one percent may seem small, but contributions from many harpists can make a collective difference. “We are counting on you to join this movement of solidarity and make it possible for everyone to learn to play the harp,” she says.
Donations to 1%HARP will be used to finance the purchase of new or second-hand instruments, redistribute unused instruments and equipment to establishments that need them, organize repairs and servicing by certified technicians, or provide funding for international competitions. Those in need of resources can contact the organization at contact@onepercentharp.com to describe the project and request the funds or equipment they need.
Learn more on the 1%HARP website.
