Mission
The Toronto International Harp Festival (“iHarp”) aims to inspire, empower, and connect harpists worldwide, fostering creativity, diversity, and innovation to elevate the harp’s presence in contemporary music and culture. iHarp is dedicated to making the harp a vital force in 21st-century music.
Artistic Team
Catherine Michel
Kathleen Bride
Andrew Chan
A new era for the harp is coming to Toronto in 2025. Under the leadership of legendary Catherine Michel and renowned Kathleen Bride (Professor, Eastman School of Music) and Canadian harpist Andrew Chan of Harps on the Hill School, the inaugural Toronto International Harp Festival (iHarp) from July 5th to 12th, 2025 will bring together harpists, music lovers, and educators from around the globe to celebrate the harp, and its music from Versailles to Hollywood.
iHarp is a dynamic global celebration of the harp, bringing together top harpists, educators, and music lovers to explore and expand the boundaries of the instrument. Through performances, workshops, and masterclasses, iHarp fosters creativity, diversity, and innovation, aiming to inspire a new generation of harpists and elevate the harp’s presence in the 21st century. The festival showcases both classical and contemporary styles, from historical pieces to cutting-edge compositions, ensuring that the harp remains a vital force in music and continues to evolve worldwide. Our mission is to empower and connect harpists globally while inspiring the continued growth of harp music.
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“We will celebrate the harp’s artistry, its 5000 years of history, and its extraordinary potential to unite audiences across cultures and generations,” said Catherine Michel. “This festival will offer both inspiration and tools to help young and experienced harpists excel in their careers, explore new musical horizons, and integrate their ancient instrument into contemporary contexts.”
Kathleen Bride: “iHarp’s vision is to become the premier global platform for harpists, fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse harp community. iHarp will provide a unique opportunity to hear a variety of repertoires and perspectives, high-lighting talent from around the world.”
In the 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."
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- Andrew Chan
The harp, an instrument with a fascinating history of 5000 years, will be celebrated at iHarp in July 2025 for its artistry, tradition, and timeless beauty. This festival promises beautiful performances, shining a spotlight on the harp's unique ability to inspire and unite audiences.​
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Harp encourages creativity and exploration of the wealth of harp music, as well as the creation of new music compositions that challenge traditional norms. It promotes a diverse, memorable, and accessible repertoire that appeals to both the general public and educators, while broadening the harp's presence beyond its traditional boundaries to ensure its relevance in the 21st century.
The festival also highlights and promotes Canadian art music and talent from around the world. Through concerts, masterclasses and workshops, they inspire both young and experienced harpists to excel in their careers by providing them inspirations and tools to integrate their ancient instrument into contemporary contexts.​