Two Ukrainian harpists, Larisa Klievtsova and Veronika Lemishenko, had the idea to create an unique competition in Ukraine. This dream became reality thanks to the support of Valeriy Altuknov, the director of Kharkiv High Music School and Yuri Yanko, director and chief conductor of the Kharkiv State Philharmonic. The first open harp competition took place in 2006 and by 2014, the project had evolved. In 2017, the first International Glowing Harp Competition received applications from nine different countries, in 2019 – from ten different countries. “Glowing Harp” is much more than an international harp competition. It includes festival, masterclasses, recitals and other musical events.
The competition has several age categories: from beginners, to professional harpists and the repertoire includes works by composers of different epochs, also works by Ukrainian composers. The senior competition is held in two stages, the final with orchestra.
General sponsor of the competition since 2019 – “Les Harpes Camac”.
International Competition “Glowing Harp”
The participants should be up to 25 years old. The competitors are divided in five groups.
The competition has one round for the first two categories and two rounds for the last three categories.
Every two years
TBA 2026
TBA 2026
abc
Each applicant must:
1) fill in an application form
2) enclose an entry fee until deadline
You can send the application online, or download the application form and send it with other required documents to glowingharp@gmail.com.
The entry fee is different in each category (Debut – 20€, I – 40€, II – 60€, III – 80€, IV – 100€). By sending the application form the participants declare that they approve the terms and conditions mentioned in the regulations.
The application fee cannot be returned
The following documents should be attached to the application form:
– an electronic copy of the applicant´s passport, stating the applicant´s name, date of birth and passport number
– two portrait photographs of the applicant
– a recommendation from a teacher
– a creative biography
– the musical program
The participants should be up to 25 years old. The competitors are divided in five groups (Debut, I, II, III, IV).
All works should be performed from memory, except for the specially written piece in category IV. Programmes may not be changed after they have been submitted.
All competition’s stages are open to the public. The final rounds of categories ІІ, ІІІ and IV are with orchestra.
In categories II, III and IV, no more than five candidates per category shall pass to the final.
All potential contestants are eligible to apply for any category in which their age does not exceed the category limit. For stage 1, the time limit in each category means total minutes of music.
Harps (pedal and lever) and individual practice times are provided to active contestants. Participants may also use their personal instruments at their own liability and cost.
Each participant will have an opportunity to practice one hour on the harp that he will choose after the registration in the order according to their audition schedule. Practice time on the other harps will be provided from 18 April 2021.
All costs associated with participation are paid by the participants or sponsoring organizations.
Category IV: 25 and under
I Stage
1. Choose one:
2. Choose one:
II Stage
1. Any composition from the Baroque period (repeats are up to the competitor decision)
2. E.Andreev. Aquarelles *
Piece composed for the competition.
* to get the score please send a request to glowingharp@gmail.com
3. Choose one:
III Stage (Final)
Choose one (to be performed with piano):
Category III: 18 and under
I Stage
1. D.Scarlatti – any sonata (no repeats)
2. E.Andreev. Patterns*
* the score is available in pdf-format on vanderbiltmusic.com
II Stage
1. Choose one:
2. Choose one:
III Stage (Final)
G.F.Handel. Concerto in B Flat Major Op. 4 N°6
(all movements, any edition, with free-choice cadenza,
to be performed without accompaniment)
Category II: 14 and under
(Pedal Harp)
I Stage
1. Choose one sonata (all movements):
2. V.Sokalsky. In the Grove*
3. Watkins. “Fire Dance” from Petite Suite
* If needed the score will be provided, please send a request to glowingharp@gmail.com
II Stage (Final)
1. Vivaldi (arr. K.Bundock-Moore). First movement from Concerto in C Major (to be performed with piano)
2. Free choice virtuoso composition from the Romantic or Impressionism period (up to 6 min)
Category I: 11 and under
(Pedal or Lever Harp)
2-4 contrasting pieces including:
1. Ukrainian folk tune (arr.V.Lemishenko): Hopak*
2. One piece from B.Andrès: Automates, Épices or La Gimblette
* If needed the score will be provided, please send a request to glowingharp@gmail.com
(5-8 min total time)
“Debut” Category: 8 years old and under
(Pedal or Lever Harp)
2-4 contrasting pieces
(up to 5 min total time)
Website
