Collegium21 has announced its 2026 guest composers and schedule. According to its website, Collegium21 is a musical and educational event which aims to promote the contemporary harp by bringing composers and young harpists together. The event takes place in two phases. First, on May 30–31, 2026, harpists of all levels can discover new compositions via a series of masterclasses with guest composers, including Georges Aperghis, Maarten Lingier, Gilles Carré, Édith Canat de Chizy, Alexandre Jamar, Octavio López, Pascale Criton, Marie-Hélène Fournier, Caterina Di Cecca, Heinz Holliger, and Claire-Mélanie Sinnhuber. Two weeks later on June 13–14, a competition takes place with repertoire including the pieces featured in the masterclasses. The deadline for registration is May 16, 2026 (subject to availability).
According to its website, Collegium21 publishes videos of all its masterclasses online after the event to help as many harpists as possible to discover contemporary musical styles, get to know composers and their craft, and experience new types of expression and modes of playing. Founded in 2016 by Ghislaine Petit-Volta, Collegium21 is managed today by “Les signes de l’arc” association, under the artistic co-direction of Petit-Volta and Laurence Bancaud. Visit Collegium21’s website to learn more.
