In 1959 Aharon Zvi Propes from the Israel Tourist Department searched for an instrument for which there were no competitions. That led to the birth of International Harp Contest in Israel. And it was in Israel that the American Harp Society was founded. The contest now takes place every three years. According to Esther Herlitz, Director of the contest, past winners have included harpists from Romania, USA, France, Belgium, Japan, the Netherlands and Australia.
Most harpists are women and orchestras typically only have one harpist.
In the coming contest 36 contestants from all over the world will compete. Judith Liber, the solo harpist of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra will chair a 12 member international jury. This will also include the premier of Sergio Natra's new work for harp solo, which was written especially for the event. PM Mozart concerto for harp and flute. Three contestants will play in the afternoon and three in the evening.