Competition
Competition Information
HRHF 2025 Competition Guidelines
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 9) 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.
JUNIOR DIVISION REQUIRED REPERTOIRE
La Source, Op. 23 (The Fountain) -- Albert Zabel
La Source, Op. 44 (The Brook or The Fountain) -- Alphonse Hasselmans
SENIOR DIVISION REQUIRED REPERTOIRE
Etude de concert “Au matin” -- Marcel Tournier
Etude de Concert, Op. 193 -- Felix Godefroid
The preliminary round is via pre-recorded video. All pre-recorded entries are due by February 1, 2025. Finalists will be notified by February 7, 2025, and should prepare to play live at the Hampton Roads Harp Festival on March 1, 2025.
A certificate and cash prize will be awarded to the winners of both categories. An official announcement will be published on Harp Column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee?
Yes; there is an entry fee of $40. 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. A Salvi Diana will be provided for the competitors who cannot bring their own instrument.
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.: Pike-Anastasia-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.
JUDGES
*Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Competition!
JUNIOR:
1st place: Goldie Woods
Falls Church, VA; student of Melissa Dvorak
2nd place: Sarah Howell
Ithaca, NY; student of Melissa Dvorak
3rd place: Sihan Wu
Carmel, IN; student of Fanfen Tai
SENIOR:
1st place: Elishia Yeung
Vancouver, BC; student of Miya Otake and Kaori Otake
2nd place: Jocelyn Chang
Chantilly, VA; student of Melissa Dvorak
3rd place: Viviana Alfaro
Hughson, CA; student of Jennifer Ellis
*Prizes were sponsored by a grant from the American Harp Society