Achieving top placement in the USA International Harp Competition launches your harp career. All of the previous top prizewinners have gone on to lead very successful careers- whether solo, orchestral, chamber, teaching, or even expanding the boundaries of traditional harp careers. Whatever the competitors’ dreams are, this competition is very likely to turn that dream into a reality. Below are the “harp dreams” of our contestants:
“I want to be a professional orchestral harpist first and foremost because I’ve never had so much joy performing in any setting than with a whole group of musicians behind my back! The sound is unmatched. I also want to teach because I enjoy and value of sharing what I know!”- Melanie Mashner, USA
Melanie Mashner
“I plan to start orchestra auditions and maybe do another competition, I’ll see. Today, it’s Bloomington. I have a few ideas in my head, but I will think about it after the competition.”- Louise Ollivier, France
Louise Ollivier
“I want to try to play for a larger public to help people discover harp music and to make them more sensible about the harp even though they aren’t familiar with the instrument.” Héloïse de Jenlis, France
Héloïse de Jenlis
“I’d love to start a chamber group and commission new works.”- Shelly Du, China
Shelly Du
“I’ll try other competitions. I think it will be easier because I already have a big repertoire thanks to the USAIHC”- Valerio Lisci, Italy
Valerio Lisci
“I’m entering my first year as a doctoral student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagin, with plans to apply for University teaching positions after I graduate. I am passionate about teaching and education advocacy for young children with special needs, so I hope to pursue a career related to those interests.” – Noël Wan, Taiwan
Noel Wan
“I’d like to be a solo composer for the harp. I have already written some pieces for harp, and I dream about my solo recital, where I will play both classical pieces and my own compositions.”- Maria Mikhaylovskaya, Russia
Maria Mikhaylovskaya
Tomorrow, June 18, the final three competitors, Elizabeth Bass, Lenka Petrovic and Katherine Siochi, will compete for the gold medal. And tomorrow, each of their careers will be launched!
