Festival Collection Exhibitions
Discover the Soul of the harp through Captivating Documentaries,
Harp-inspired Sculptures, and a Showcase of Historical and Modern Harps.
iHarpFest Collection Exhibitions
The Ismaili Centre & Aga Khan Museum | July 11–12th, 2026
(All Admission Tickets include access to Exhibitions)
Strings of Legacy: Kathleen Bride
The Ismaili Centre & Aga Khan Museum | Digital Screen, July 11–12th, 2026
For 36 years, Kathleen Bride served as Professor of harp at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester New York, shaping the careers of countless harpists. A direct student of the legendary Marcel Grandjany, she continues to pass on his legacy of technical brilliance and musical depth.
Bride’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Her students have gone on to careers as soloists, orchestral musicians, and teachers worldwide. Her reputation as an educator and performer has made her a respected figure in the global harp community.
At the Toronto International Harp Festival 2026, festival attendees will have the opportunity to learn from Bride through a special documentary and interviews broadcast on-screen throughout the festival. These presentations will offer insight into her journey, her relationship with Grandjany, and her vision for the harp’s future.
In addition to the screenings, Bride will be onsite shall audience members be interested in engaging with one of the most influential harpists of our time.
(Exhibitions included with any Ticket Admission)
Strings of Legacy: Huguette Géliot
The Ismaili Centre & Aga Khan Museum | Digital Screen, July 11–12th, 2026
Dive into the rich lineage of the French harp tradition with this special documentary featuring Huguette Géliot, a distinguished harpist born in 1923 in Paris, and one of the last direct students of the legendary Marcel Tournier.
Through a series of rare interviews recorded in Paris in 2025, audiences will discover Madame Géliot’s remarkable personal story via an on-screen broadcast throughout the festival. Her reflections reveal a unique window into the artistic ideals and discipline that defined a golden era of harp playing in Paris.
(Exhibitions included with any Ticket Admission)
Harp Art
Hoi Kwon Choi, Sculptor
The Ismaili Centre & Aga Khan Museum | Sculpture Display, July 11–12th, 2026
Upon meeting harpist Andrew Chan adventurously, their long time collaboration eventually resulted in “Audible Sculptures”, a series of sculptures that not only function as art but also as harps that produce beautiful sounds. These creations, born from the natural beauty of wood, reflect Choi’s deep connection to nature and his lifelong love for music.
Choi’s work echoes the Bauhaus philosophy, blending art with practicality and reviving craftsmanship. A skilled furniture designer, he was a consistent winner of the Trillium Awards for twenty years, including the “1996 Summit Award” for The Best Canadian Design. Choi also dedicates his time passing on his expertise to the next generation, leaving a lasting impact through his art and teachings.
(Exhibitions included with any Ticket Admission)
Hoi Kwon Choi is a versatile artist known for his innovative work across various mediums, particularly wood sculpture. His modernistic industrial art, furniture design, and wood sculptures, ranging from classical to abstract, have always pushed creative boundaries.
Choi’s love for wood led him to move from Korea to Canada in 1970, where the abundance of trees allowed him to indulge in his passion for sculpture.
Tribute to Queen Marie Antoinette & Cousineau
The Ismaili Centre & Aga Khan Museum | Historical Harp Display, July 11–12th, 2026
This exquisite 18th-century pedal harp, built in the 1780s by Cousineau — luthier to Queen Marie Antoinette — is a true heirloom of history. This harp has been lovingly passed down through generations, has traveled from Paris, to London, and eventually to Toronto. Family-lore tells of a remarkable origin: that this harp was gifted by the French Court, possibly once belonging to Marie Antoinette, in gratitude for “services rendered.”
There are compelling clues supporting this claim. Most harps of the period were designed with wooden panels concealing the inner mechanism in the neck. But Marie Antoinette, ever the connoisseur of elegance and innovation, requested glass panels instead—so she could watch the intricate movement of the mechanism as the pedals were pressed. This harp still features those very panels, a rare and distinctive detail.
Further enhancing its uniqueness are the Chinoiserie motifs delicately painted on the soundboard — another nod to the Queen’s well-documented fascination with Asian art.
In late 18th-century Paris, the harp reigned as the height of musical fashion, a trend largely credited to Marie Antoinette’s influence. In 1783, Georges Cousineau and his son Jacques-Georges were appointed official harp makers to the Queen, and their craftsmanship is on full display in this magnificent instrument.
(Exhibitions included with any Ticket Admission)
Harp Exhibition by
Lyon & Healy and Salvi Harps
The Ismaili Centre & Aga Khan Museum |
July 11–12th, 2026
At the Toronto International Harp Festival, attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore an exquisite exhibition featuring harps from two of the world's most esteemed manufacturers: Lyon & Healy and Salvi Harps.
Both brands are renowned for their exceptional tone, innovative design, and aesthetic beauty, making this exhibition a must-visit for harp enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you're a seasoned harpist or a newcomer, this event offers a rare chance to experience firsthand the artistry and engineering behind these iconic instruments.
(Exhibitions included with any Ticket Admission)