The World Harp Congress announces Focus on Youth 2026

The goal of the Focus on Youth Concerts is to encourage and recognize gifted young harpists 22 years of age and under, by providing a performance opportunity, followed by comments from a panel of distinguished harpists.  

All applicants must be members of the World Harp Congress at the time of submission.  

Before submitting an application, please review the following information on eligibility, repertoire, video requirements, and how to apply.  Please be certain that  you are eligible before submitting an application.

Application submission requirements:

  • Proof of World Harp Congress membership: Harpists must be WHC members at the time of submission.  See Membership
  • A video recording not exceeding 20 minutes of solo harp music (or including some chamber music involving no more than 3 players).
  • The video should  include a spoken introduction presented by the harpist, including information on the program (also typewritten in English), why you chose the harp as your instrument, and what your goals are for the future (in English). 
  • Video requirements: high quality, horizontal format, positioned to see your face and hands.
  • One selection on the video must have been composed after 1950.
  • It is encouraged (but not required) that a composition from the applicant’s country be included in the program.
  • Two letters of recommendation: one from a current harp teacher and one from another harpist, musician, or teacher. If the harpist is under 18 years old on the date of the submission, a recommendation letter from one of the parents is also  required.
  • Two recent publicity photos (black and white, or color)
  • A brief, typewritten biography and  program in English.
  • Proof of birthdate: harpists should not have reached the age of 23 on 28 July 2026 (born after 28 July 2003)
  • All Focus on Youth repertoire must be played from memory with the exception of new music scores or chamber music scores, as approved by the committee.
  • Compositions can be recorded separately but must be merged into one video file. All recordings must have been recorded within six months of the submission date (July 1, 2025)
  • The committee will  invite selected harpist to perform live in Toronto. Harpists are expected to perform the submitted program. 
  • The committee will not be able to invite everyone to perform live in Toronto, however, the video recordings of applicants not invited to perform live will be uploaded to the special website for Focus on Youth.
  • You will receive a confirmation email and PDF copy of the completed form after submission.

Meet our Focus on Youth Alumni