NZ Harp Competition (1.30pm Friday 3 April 2026)
Background
Harps Aotearoa Foundation, the governing body for Harp Fest NZ, runs the annual NZ Performance Competition - a video-entry event open to harp students of all levels. At Harp Fest NZ 2023, a live NZ Harp Competition was introduced for entrants at the Grade 7/8 level.
In 2025, Harps Aotearoa Foundation ran the NZ Composition Competition for New Zealand composers under 30, inviting original solo harp works at a Grade 4/5 level.
About the Competition
The NZ Harp Competition is open to New Zealand harpists performing at Grade 4/5 level. All performances will take place in person, in front of an audience and judges on Friday, 3 April 2026, the opening day of Harp Fest NZ 2026. The winner will give a special performance of their works on the evening of the same day. The event will take place at Dilworth School, Erin Street, Epsom, Auckland.
If the number of entries exceeds the available performance slots, a video pre-selection round will be held.
Entrants will perform two pieces – one own-choice work and one set work from a list of seven New Zealand compositions. The set works include three winning compositions from the NZ Composition Competition and four pieces by New Zealand composers (and harpists).
First prize $300, second prize $200, third prize $100
Click on the name of the work to purchase the music through a website link or by sending an email request.
Harps Aotearoa Foundation, the governing body for Harp Fest NZ, runs the annual NZ Performance Competition - a video-entry event open to harp students of all levels. At Harp Fest NZ 2023, a live NZ Harp Competition was introduced for entrants at the Grade 7/8 level.
In 2025, Harps Aotearoa Foundation ran the NZ Composition Competition for New Zealand composers under 30, inviting original solo harp works at a Grade 4/5 level.
About the Competition
The NZ Harp Competition is open to New Zealand harpists performing at Grade 4/5 level. All performances will take place in person, in front of an audience and judges on Friday, 3 April 2026, the opening day of Harp Fest NZ 2026. The winner will give a special performance of their works on the evening of the same day. The event will take place at Dilworth School, Erin Street, Epsom, Auckland.
If the number of entries exceeds the available performance slots, a video pre-selection round will be held.
Entrants will perform two pieces – one own-choice work and one set work from a list of seven New Zealand compositions. The set works include three winning compositions from the NZ Composition Competition and four pieces by New Zealand composers (and harpists).
First prize $300, second prize $200, third prize $100
Click on the name of the work to purchase the music through a website link or by sending an email request.
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Audio only at present, video to follow.....
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Harps Aotearoa Foundation and Harp Fest NZ strongly support and protect the work of New Zealand composers. All performers must use original printed music or PDF music with proof of purchase. Any breach of copyright will result in immediate ineligibility.
For full requirements, eligibility, and competition procedures, please refer to the NZ Competition Rules and Guidelines.
For full requirements, eligibility, and competition procedures, please refer to the NZ Competition Rules and Guidelines.
