The International Harp Contest in Israel

The International Harp Contest in Israel (International Harp Contest in Israel) is a competition for harpists, the (usually three years) takes place at irregular intervals in Israel. It is the oldest still discharged Harp Competition, in October 2009, the 17th competition will be held in Tel Aviv.

History

The competition was founded in 1959 by Aharon Zvi Propes launched. On the occasion of the 10th birthday of the State of Israel was looking for an event that was unique and should attract more visitors to Israel. At that time there was still no international harp competition, therefore the instrument of King David was chosen for this purpose. To make the first contest popular and successful, visited Propes harpists and musicians all over the world. This enabled him to win big names like Pierre Jamet, Marcel Grandjany, Carlos Salzedo, Nicanor Zabaleta and for the jury.

Since 1959, the competition is sponsored by the American Harp Lyon & Healy manufacturer. The winner of the contest will receive a concert harp Lyon & Healy Style 23 ( Lyon & Healy Style 23 later gold, list price $ 48,500 ). In addition, the " Aharon Zvi Propes Prize" will be awarded for the best performance of an Israeli composition at each competition, worth $ 2,000. The other prizes were 2006 6000 dollars for the second prize, $ 4,000 for third prize and $ 1,000 for the best interpretation of a contemporary piece. In addition, awards for outstanding interpretations of individual pieces will be awarded.

Successful nation is France with four winners, followed by the U.S. with three hits. 1976 was the first time to win a male participant, 2006 sat down with Sivan stomach the first Israeli musicians through.

The 17th staging was held in 2009 to mark the 50th anniversary of the competition instead. Zubin Mehta took over as head of the jury, as well as a concert with previous winners took place. In the final round was played with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Roberto Paternostro.

Mode

May participate in the competition, who is not older than 35 years and submitting the required letters of recommendation from internationally recognized harpists and other musicians. The competition is held in four rounds. In the first round, a maximum of 36 participants compete. The carried forward repertoire is fixed and includes solo works. 18 participants can reach the second round, in the solo pieces are also put forward. In the semifinals still play six participants to the final. In this round, chamber music concerts, or be required to board composition. In the final, the three main prizes will be awarded. It is played a solo concert with orchestra, in addition, a short solo piece of own choice to be carried forward.

Award winners

  • 2 Competition 1962 1st Prize: Lynn Turner, USA
  • 3 Competition in 1965 1st prize: Martine Geliot, France
  • 4 competition 1970 1st prize: Chantal Mathieu, France
  • 5th Competition 1973 1st prize: Nancy Allen, United States
  • 6 Competition 1976 1st prize: Ivan Ion Roncea, Romania
  • 7 Competition 1979 1st prize: Emily Mitchell, United States
  • 8 competition 1982 1st prize: Alice Giles, Australia
  • 9 Competition 1985 1st prize Naoko Yoshino, Japan
Nancy Allen (harpist)
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