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Competition Information
Competition Information
The Hampton Roads Harp Festival Competition 2026 is proudly sponsored by Lyon and Healy Harps!
HRHF 2026 Competition Guidelines
HRHF 2026 Competition Guidelines
Please continue to watch this space for the latest updates regarding our 2026 competition.
The Hampton Roads Harp Festival Competition is delighted to welcome young artists to our annual competition. Our goal is to help students to become comfortable performing by providing meaningful, professional feedback in a fair and nurturing environment.
The competition is divided in Junior (up to US grade 10) and Senior (up to US grade 12) categories. Repertoire consists of 2 pieces of contrasting styles, and should demonstrate the entrant's technique and musicality; one piece is free choice, and the other must be selected from the list below. Memorization is preferred, but not required. Contestants performing a movement from a concerto should play with piano accompaniment when possible.
HRHF 2026 Competition Repertoire
HRHF 2026 Competition Repertoire
GRADES 8 AND BELOW
Free-choice repertoire consisting of one solo work. Suggested level includes, but is not limited to:
Epices - Bernard Andrès
JUNIOR DIVISION (US GRADES 9-10)
Free-choice repertoire consisting of two solo works. Suggested level includes, but is not limited to:
The King's Hunt - John Bull/Marcel Grandjany
Any etude from Bach-Grandjany Etudes for Harp selected from Bach Sonatas and Partitas for Unaccompanied Violin - Transcribed by Marcel Grandjany
SENIOR DIVISION (US GRADES 11-12)
Free-choice repertoire consisting of two solo works. Suggested level includes, but is not limited to:
Essence of Ruby - Brandee Younger
Absidioles - Bernard Andrès
The preliminary round is via pre-recorded video. All pre-recorded entries are due by February 8, 2026. Finalists will be notified by February 14, 2026, and should prepare to play live at the Hampton Roads Harp Festival on February 28, 2026.
The winner of the Grade 8 and Below division will receive a Festival certificate and cash prize.
Winners of the Junior and Senior divisions will receive a Festival certificate, a cash prize generously provided by Lyon & Healy Harps, and a $500 scholarship to attend the full session of the 2026 HRHF Summer Institute.
An official announcement with all winners' information will be published on Harp Column.
Hotel Accommodations
The Hampton Roads Harp Festival has secured a group reservation with the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Norfolk Old Dominion University. Rooms are limited to a first come, first served basis. Access the group reservation link here to receive the special rate:
www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1757091335029&key=GRP&app=resvlink
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee?
Yes; there is an entry fee of $40 for participants that are also registered for the festival. The entry fee is $45 to those who intend to register for the competition only. Please note that this is a separate and additional fee from the Festival.
Will a harp be provided if I cannot bring my own?
Yes. We are thrilled to have Lyon & Healy Harps providing instruments for the competition.
How do I submit my video?
Please send an unlisted YouTube link to hrhfinfo@gmail.com. Each piece should be filmed in one take, without editing, and should clearly show the entire body (feet included).
Please use the following name format to submit your video: surname-first name-division, i.e.: Hasselmans-Alphonse-Senior-Video. The body of the email should include the following details: contestant's name, age, grade, location (i.e., Dallas, Texas, USA), teacher's name, and the titles and composers of the pieces being performed.
Can I enter the competition if I'm not planning to attend the Hampton Roads Harp Festival?
Yes. Any student worldwide may enter the competition if they meet the age requirements. However, finalists are expected to perform live during the competition finals at the Festival on February 28.
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