The fourth Glowing Harp Competition, held April 1–30, awarded the first prize in its top division to Ligia Nowak of Poland. Eugenia Alfier (Italy) and Iva Dimitrijević (Serbia) tied for second prize. Lauren Swain (USA) won third prize. This year, 69 harpists from 19 countries competed in five age categories (up to 25 years old). Countries represented include Ukraine, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, United States, and Canada. The competition, sponsored by Camac Harps ..read more

The USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) has appointed Francine (Fran) Marseille as its new executive director. Marseille was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was raised in California. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from California State University Fullerton in communication: radio, television, and film. According to a press release, Marseille specializes in public relations, marketing, sponsorships, event production, and business development. She has worked with entertainment companies such as Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment and has managed ..read more

The Korea International Harp Competition (KIHC) has announced the winners of this year’s contest, which took place April 24–28, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. Renee Yadav of Singapore won first prize in the young professional division. Eve Lung (China) won first prize in the youth division. Anlan Cong won first prize in the junior 1 division, while Ying Chu Liu (China) won first prize in the junior 2 division. For more information, visit the competition website. Junior 1 Division 1st prize: Anlan Cong 2nd prize: Yuetong Ju 3rd prize: Zhinuo Huangfu 4th prize: Philia Ie 5th prize: Ju Eun Lee Juni ..read more

Cristina Montes Mateo is the new principal harpist of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (HBO). She was appointed by the HBO’s principal conductor Thomas Wilkins after three screened rounds of auditions on March 18 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. “As a new member of the HBO, I am looking forward to playing with an incredible variety of distinguished artists from all genres of music and the world of entertainment,” Montes Mateo says. “The repertoire of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra is as diverse as Hollywood itself, and in a single season, the orchestra may perform everything from Broa ..read more

The Midwest Harp Festival in Wheaton, Ill., has announced the presenters for its 25th annual event. The festival will take place June 9–15; the registration deadline is May 1. Registered attendees have the opportunity to participate in ensemble rehearsals and the closing ensemble concert, workshops, and a solo competition. Dining and housing options are available. An independent study track which includes five lessons with Elizabeth Richter is also available. All concerts are free to the public. Workshop topics include harp maintenance with Jennifer Ruggieri, pedal and lever skills with Faye S ..read more

The USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) Spring Concert features the Aletheia Duo, consisting of Ann Yeung, harp, and Jonathan Keeble, flute. The concert will take place May 5 at 5 p.m. EDT at the Indiana University Collections at McCalla in Bloomington, Ind. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students, available online or at the door. The Aletheia Duo will present their new program, “Inspiration and Reimagination: Considering the Art of Rudy Pozzatti,” including works by Andrès, Carrillo, Clarke, LeBaron, Lutoslawski, Mahoney, McDonald, Patterson, Sierra, and Wood Rollo. For concer ..read more

The Rogue Valley Symphony has announced an opening for principal harp for the 2024–2025 season. Applications are due via Acceptd by May 15. The auditions will be held June 12 in Ashland, Ore., for this core orchestra position. See the audition listing for more details. The Rogue Valley Symphony is located in southern Oregon, 4.5 hours south of Portland and 6.5 hours north of San Francisco. Led by Music Director Martin Majkut, the orchestra will present six Masterworks programs, two special non-series concerts (pops), and educational concerts in the upcoming 2024–2025 season. Each program in th ..read more

The Dewberry School of Music at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., has announced an opening for Adjunct Applied Harp Professor to teach individualized lessons, starting August 2024. The application deadline for full consideration is April 25, but the position will remain open until filled. For more information and to apply, view the job listing ..read more

The World Harp Competition at the 2024 Dutch Harp Festival (DHF) has announced the prize winners. Breton harpist and singer-songwriter Kevin Le Pennec won first prize, as well as the audience prize. Le Pennec performed a solo program through harp and vocals that embodied his deep-rooted passion for themes such as love, masculism, feminism, homosexuality, inclusivity, and positivity. According to a press release, Le Pennec says he is delighted with the prize; he will use the monetary award to fund a video for his new album. The jury awarded second prize to Amy Nam and third prize to Ariel Sol ..read more

The jury of the Dutch Harp Festival’s World Harp Competition has announced the three finalists: Kevin Le Pennec (France), Ariel Sol (United States), and Amy Nam (United States). The final round will take place this Saturday, April 20, during the 2024 Dutch Harp Festival “Night of 1000 Strings” at 5 p.m. CEST (GMT+2) and will be live-streamed via the competition website. The semifinal round of the competition took place April 18–19, featuring performances by eleven candidates. Each candidate designed and performed a 45-minute original program. Welsh harpist Catrin Finch is the chairperson of th ..read more