Mission
The Toronto International Harp Festival Society is a non-profit organization committed to making the harp a dynamic, contemporary force that bridges tradition with the future. We inspire, empower, and connect harpists globally, fostering creativity, diversity, and innovation to elevate the harp’s role in 21st-century music and culture in Toronto and beyond.
Artistic Team
Catherine Michel
Festival Artistic Advisor
International legendary harpist
Paris, France
Kathleen Bride
Festival Artistic Advisor
Professor Emerita of harp,
Eastman School of Music, USA
Andrew Chan
Festival Artistic Director
Executive Director
Harps on the Hill, Toronto, Canada
To be the premier global platform for harpists, honouring tradition while shaping the future. We envision a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant harp community where artists challenge conventions, expand musical horizons, and captivate audiences worldwide.
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 stage in one of the world’s most multicultural cities, Toronto."
- Andrew Chan, Artistic Director
Toronto International Harp Festival
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