Toronto International Harp Festival Competition 2026 welcomes a remarkable group of 155 harpists from around the world. Each contestant brings a unique musical voice, a deep dedication to their craft, and a shared passion for the harp’s expressive power.
Explore their profiles. Discover their repertoire. Join us in celebrating the next generation of harp excellence.
Information & Procedures
Competition Levels:
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Foundation Level (No age limit)
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Intermediate Level (No age limit)
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Advanced Level (No age limit)
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Performance Level (must be age 25 or under on May 17th, 26)
Repertoire Details:
Select a piece from the repertoire list,
or compete with a “FREE CHOICE” of equal difficulty level.
(View Competition Repertoire List & Requirements)
*If you have questions or are unsure about your “FREE CHOICE” selection, please email hello@iHarpFest.com for verification.
Video Submission (May 17th, 26):
(View Video Submission Requirements)
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Upload your performance video to YouTube as “Unlisted”
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In countries where YouTube is restricted, participants may submit their competition videos through alternative platforms such as Youku or Bilibili.
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Submit the YouTube link by email to hello@iHarpFest.com on or before end of Sunday May 17th, 2026
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Email Subject & Video Title must be: “Competition 2026 Submission, [Full Name of Participant], [Competition Level]
Results Announcement:
Monday May 31st, 2026
(extended due to a large amount of submissions to review)
Competition Registration Fees
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Foundation Level: $75 CAD
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Intermediate Level: $95 CAD
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Advanced Level: $115 CAD
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Performance Level: $125 CAD
Transaction fee & Canadian tax extra.
Registration fees are non-refundable shall contestants choose to withdraw for any reason. Fees may be transferred between competition categories
Jury
Catherine Michel
International Soloist;
former Principal Harp,
Paris Opera Orchestra
Kathleen Bride
Professor Emerita,
Eastman School of Music
Rochester, NY USA
Frances Duffy
Principal Harp, Wheeling and Allentown Symphonies; member - American Ballet Theatre Orchestra
Andrew Chan
Artistic Director,
Toronto International Harp Festival; Harps on the Hill
Registration
Thank you for registering to participate in the Toronto International Harp Competition 2026!
All contestants must complete this Registration Form, prior to moving on to the Submission Form.
Any questions, please email us: hello@iHarpFest.com
Awards & Recognitions
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Distinguished: 95% & above
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Outstanding: 85% to 94%
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Merit: 75% to 84%
1. Competition winners will be recognized by the score system listed above
2. Top Winners (of Advanced and Performance Levels) will receive ONE virtual one-on-one coaching session with a jury member (Catherine Michel or Kathleen Bride), to be scheduled in June 2026. The duration of the session will be determined by the jury.
3. Top Winners (of Foundational, Intermediate, Advanced & Performance Levels) will each receive a pair of the “Concert Series Pass”, granting access to all concerts and masterclasses (as bonus) during the Toronto International Harp Festival in Toronto (July 11–12th, 2026)
4. Top Winners will be invited to perform in the Competition Winner Gala Concert 2026 at the Ismaili Centre, Toronto, Canada, as part of the Toronto International Harp Festival. More details will be provided.
5. Winners will be listed and recognized across the festival’s website, social media platforms, and other communication channels.
6. All participants will receive written feedback from the jury.