The International Harp Contest in Israel has announced the four stages of required repertoire for its 22nd competition, set to take place Sept. 16–26, 2024, in Akko. The event, which is held every three years, hosted its 21st contest in a hybrid format due to the pandemic. The first two stages were held remotely Sept. 1–14, 2021, while the semi-final and final stages took place March 29 and 31, 2022, in Old Acre (Akko), Israel. Claudia Lucia Lamanna (Italy) won first prize, Lea Maria Löffler (Germany) took home second prize, and Beatriz Cortesão (Portugal) was awarded third prize. Founded by Aharon Zvi Propes in 1959, the contest is now directed by the principal harpist with the Israel Philharmonic, Julia Rovinsky.
Stage 1
Choose one:
- J. S. Bach, French Suite no. 1 in D Minor, BWV 812 (no repeats)
- J. S. Bach, French Suite no. 2 in C Minor, BWV 813 (no repeats)
- J. S. Bach, French Suite no. 6 in E Major, BWV 817 (no repeats)
Choose one:
- S. Natra, Sonatina
- S. Natra, Prayer
Choose one:
- J. de la Presle, Le jardin mouillé
- G. Fauré, Une châtelaine en sa tour, op. 110
Stage 2
W. A. Mozart, Fantasia no. 1 in D Minor
Choose one:
- A. Caplet, Deux Divertissements
- H. Renié, Pièce symphonique
Uri Brener, Northern Wind (commissioned Israeli work for the 22nd Harp Contest, available for free download)
Stage 3
J. S. Bach, Flute Sonata in G Minor or Flute Sonata in E-Flat Major (no repeats)
A. Weiner, La Noche Oscura del Alma (Dark Night of the Soul) for flute and harp
A. Caplet, Conte Fantastique for harp and string quartet
Stage 4
G. Tailleferre, Concertino
J. C. Bach, Concerto op. 1 no. 6
Check out our interview with the winners of the 21st Contest in our May/June 2022 issue. For more information, visit the International Harp Contest in Israel website.
