March 31, 2022
Claudia Lucia Lamanna of Italy was awarded first prize at the 21st International Harp Contest in Israel. Lea Maria Löffler of Germany won second prize, and Beatriz Cortesão of Portugal was the third prize winner. The three finalists each performed Reinhold Glière's Concerto in E-flat major, Op. 74, with the Jerusalem Symphonic Orchestra and conductor Doron Salomon. The final stage was held in the city of Akko and was the culmination of the four-stage, triennial competition.
As first prize winner, Lamanna will receive a Lyon & Healy or Salvi concert grand harp, up to a value of $55,000 USD, from the Salvi Foundation (USA). Lamanna will also perform in several concerts as part of her first prize, including a debut recital presented by the Salvi Foundation, a performance at the opening concert of the 22nd International Harp Contest in Israel in 2024, and a series of concerts in Italy sponsored by the Fondazione Gioventù Musicale d’Italia. Lamanna will also receive the International Laureate Exchange Prize between the USA International Harp Competition and the International Harp Contest in Israel.
Löffler, who won second prize, will receive $10,000 USD, donated by the Municipality of (Acre) Akko. Cortesão's third prize includes $5,000 USD, donated by the Korea International Harp Competition.
Look for an interview with Lamanna in the upcoming May/June 2022 issue of Harp Column magazine.
March 29, 2022
Following the semifinal (third) stage, which took place March 29, the following contestants advanced to the final stage.
Beatriz Cortesão, Portugal
Lea Maria Löffler, Germany
Claudia Lucia Lamanna, Italy
The other semi-finalists were awarded the following prizes.
Fourth prize: Xinyue Zhang, China
Fifth prize: Ekaterina Dvoretskaya, Russia
Sixth prize: Serafina Jaffé, Germany
Seventh prize: Emily Hoile, United Kingdom
Eighth prize: Daria Rumiantseva, Russia
Ninth prize: Miriam Ruf, Germany
Two special prizes were also awarded for performances in this stage.
Mario Falcao Prize for the best performance of "Puzzle" by Al Ravin:
Beatriz Cortesão, Portugal
Judith Liber Prize for the best performance of C.P.E. Bach's Trio in E Major for two flutes and harp:
Serafina Jaffé, Germany
Nine semifinalists were selected out of 49 harpists who competed representing 22 countries. Contestants perform required repertoire and free choice selections over four stages. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the prestigious triennial competition livestreamed the first two stages, which were held remotely Sept. 1–14. The semi-final and final stages are taking place in person March 29 and 31 in Old Acre (Akko), Israel. Founded by Aharon Zvi Propes in 1959, the contest is now directed by the principal harpist with the Israel Philharmonic, Julia Rovinsky.
For more information, visit the International Harp Contest in Israel website.
