About The World Harp Congress

The World Harp Congress, Inc. a private non-profit organization, was founded in 1981 and incorporated in 1982.  It originated from the Harpweeks in The Netherlands, organized by Phia Berghout and Maria Korchinska, that first met in 1960.  

The WHC is held every three years around the world and seeks to promote the exchange of ideas, stimulate contact, and encourage the composition of new music for the harp.  Concerts, workshops, seminars and exhibits concerning all aspects of harp musicology and performance are offered at these triennial sessions. Past Congresses have been held in Maastricht, The Netherlands (1983); Jerusalem, Israel (1985); Vienna, Austria (1987); Paris-Sèvres, France (1990); Copenhagen, Denmark (1993); Seattle-Tacoma, Washington USA (1996); Prague, The Czech Republic (1999); Geneva, Switzerland (2002); Dublin, Ireland (2005);  Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2008); Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (2011); Sydney, Australia (2014); Hong Kong, China (2017); and Cardiff, Wales, UK (2022). 

The World Harp Congress has members representing over 50 countries. The Board of Directors welcomes all persons who are interested in the harp to join this international organization.

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WHC Spectrum

The WHC Spectrum is a World Harp Congress initiative to foster contemporary music for harp, performed by young professional harpists. 

Successful videos will be hosted on a special public World Harp Congress Vimeo Hub for one year, and performers will receive an e-certificate if their video is selected. Two application rounds will be held each year in January and July. Up to 25 videos may be selected per Round, totaling up to 50 videos hosted on the Hub at one time (for Rounds 1 and 2).

Deadlines: 

  • Round A: 31 January 2023 (application opens 15 November 2022)  Extended to 28 February 2023
  • Round B: 31 July 2023 (application opens 15 May 2023)

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