The 1st Concours international de harpe de Paris is organized by the "Association pour le Développement de la Musique de Chambre avec Harpe", a French non-profit organization serving the public interest. 
 

1 - Conditions of Participation
The 1st Concours international de harpe de Paris will take place from October 25 to 30, 2027. It is open to all harpists born after October 25, 1995.
 
2 - Registration
2.1 - Candidates must register online on the Competition website (www.cihdeparis.fr) by completing the form available via the "Registration" button on the homepage or under "Registration" in the "English" menu, between March 1 and May 31, 2027, and upload the following documents:
   • a copy of the identity card or passport
   • a recent artistic photo
   • a CV in English (PDF format), not exceeding 2,000 characters.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

The Competition includes a video pre-selection. Applicants must provide a video link (preferably YouTube) in the registration form and include the titles of the performed pieces in the video description, along with their full name. The two pieces may be recorded separately and edited together into a single file (multiple links will not be accepted).

2.2 - Proof of payment of the €70 registration fee (excluding bank charges, and non-refundable) required to participate in the pre-selection must be uploaded to the "Download bank receipt" subpage of the Contest website. Payment must be made by bank transfer to:
ASSOCIATION DÉVELOPT MUSIQUE DE CHAMBRE AVEC HARPE
IBAN: FR76 3000 4020 2400 0032 2756 497
BIC: BNPAFRPPMEL
Address: avenue Charles Monier 77240 CESSON (FRANCE)

Candidates who were finalists in the International Harp Competitions of Israel, Bloomington and Munich (ARD) are exempt from the pre-selection video stage and are automatically registered for the 1st elimination stage. In this case, it is necessary to download a Certificate from the relevant competition with their CV, which must be submitted as a 2-pages PDF (1 page CV + 1 page Certificate).

Upon receipt of applications, only complete applications will be reviewed and submitted to the pre-selection jury, which will view the videos and shortlist the candidates.

The list of candidates admitted to the live competition (maximum 25) will be published on the Competition website starting June 15, 2027. Candidates ranked 26th or lower will be placed on a waiting list in order of score.

2.3 - Once announced, selected candidates will be required to pay a €130 fee (excluding bank charges, and non-refundable) to participate in the public rounds in Paris. A new bank transfer receipt must then be uploaded to the "Download the bank receipts" subpage of the Competition website.

The candidate will upload to the "Your musical program" subpage of the Competition website, the complete program that he has chosen to play during the rounds.

The Competition team is available to help you and answer your questions, please do not hesitate to contact them either via the "Contact" form located on the homepage of the site, or at [email protected].

3 - Competition Procedure (see details on the "Procedure" subpage of the "English" menu).
 
4- The Jury
The jury is composed of members appointed by the Competition President for their international renown in the harp world and the wider musical community. It consists of 7 distinguished musicians, while the video pre-selection jury comprises 4 figures.
 
The jury reserves the right not to award certain prizes, to award joint prizes, or to grant multiple prizes to a single candidate. However, only one First Prize may be awarded. In the event of a tie, the monetary award will be shared equally. Special prizes will be awarded in accordance with their specific regulations. The President of the Jury shall have the casting vote in the event of a tie.
 
Throughout the competition, candidates will not be allowed to communicate with the jury. However, at the end of the 1st and 2nd rounds, jury members will be available to provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates regarding their performance.
 
The jury's decisions are final and binding.
 
5 - Accommodation/Travel
Travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of each candidate. Hotel addresses can be provided upon request.
 
However, free homestay accommodation may be available upon request during registration, subject to availability. Candidates should contact their host family as soon as the Competition provides them with contact information. Host families provide accommodation free of charge.
 
The Competition is not responsible for any expenses incurred by candidates due to illness or accident during their stay for the competition. Each candidate must provide the contact information of a relative or close friend to be contacted in case of need or emergency on the registration form.
 
6 - Practical Arrangements
Harps of various brands will be kindly made available to candidates. Furthermore, candidates may, if they wish, work during the Competition at "Espace Camac" located at 92 rue Petit in the 19th arrondissement, by reserving a studio at 01.40.40.08.40 or by email at [email protected] as well as at the "Instrumentarium" located at 35 rue Fondary (15e arrt) by reserving a studio at 01.45.61.04.32 or by email at [email protected]. 

 
Official invitations will be sent by email a few days before the competition; the time indicated is approximate. Only candidates who have paid the registration fee will be invited.
 
In case of a serious impediment (very delayed or cancelled flights, transport strikes, serious conflict in the candidate's country of origin, etc.) and with supporting documentation, immediately notify the Competition organization which will endeavor to offer another time slot.
 
Cancellation of the Competition, modification of the rules, or modification of the prize list due to force majeure will not give rise to any legal action or claim for compensation from anyone.
 
Participation in the competition implies acceptance of these rules, the French text of which is legally binding. In case of dispute, French law will apply.
 
7 - Prizes and commitments
The list of prizes offered to the winners can be found on the "Awards" tab on the website. This list is not exhaustive at present; more prizes may be added at any time. 
 
Applicable taxes may be deducted from the gross prize amounts, in accordance with French law. These taxes will be paid to the relevant government authority within the prescribed time limits, and the necessary supporting documentation will be provided to the winner for any tax credit claim to which they may be entitled. 
 
Import duties may be levied on the Camac harp awarded to the first-prize winner by the government authorities of their country. 
 
The winner(s) may be engaged by the concert promoters listed on the Competition website (page “Awards”). The organization of these concerts, with which the winner(s) will be put in contact, is the sole responsibility of the promoters and does not involve the Competition.