Mission
The Toronto International Harp Festival is dedicated to making the harp a vital, modern force, bridging tradition with the sound of tomorrow. To inspire, discover, empower, and connect harpists worldwide, fostering creativity, diversity, and innovation to elevate the harp’s place in 21st-century music and culture.
Artistic Team
Catherine Michel - Artistic Advisor
Kathleen Bride - Artistic Advisor
Andrew Chan - Artistic Director
To be the premier global platform for harpists — celebrating heritage while shaping the future.
We envision a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant harp community where artists challenge conventions, expand musical horizons, and captivate audiences around the world.
The Toronto International Harp Festival 2026 invites harpists, educators, and harp enthusiasts from around the world to experience a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and legacy. Centered on the theme “World’s Heritage. Canada’s Harmony.” this year, iHarpFest draws inspiration from the historic grandeur of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 — an event in which music united the British Empire, including Canada, in a shared celebration of heritage and identity.
More than a century later, the harp, long associated with nobility, tradition, and transcendence, returns to center stage, not in royal courts, but in the vibrant heart of Toronto. This international gathering of world-class harpists and music lovers will honour the instrument’s rich global roots while showcasing Canada’s unique role in shaping and sharing that musical legacy.
In the Founder & Artistic Director’s words
"There is truly nothing quite like the sound of a harp — the soothing, shimmering tones that seem to capture the very spirit of human emotions. Harp music tells stories of magic, joy, and hope.
The harp, an instrument with a fascinating history of 5000 years, will be celebrated at iHarpFest annually for its artistry, tradition, timeless beauty, and its unique ability to inspire and unite audiences.
In 1897, music echoed across continents to mark a Jubilee of unity. In 2026, the harp becomes our voice for a modern jubilee, celebrating not only history, but diversity, innovation, and global artistry.
iHarpFest celebrates the harp’s past, present, and future — and proudly features both Canadian and worldwide talent on the stage of one of the world’s most multicultural cities, Toronto."
- Andrew Chan
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