17th International Harp Contest in Israel (50th Anniversary 1959 - 2009)

“Take up the melody and sound the timbre, the sweet harp with the psaltery” (Psalms, 81,3)

The International Harp Contest in Israel will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2009, with Maestro Zubin Mehta at the head of an International Anniversary Committee.

The Contest, the first competition in the world to be held for the harp, was launched in 1959 by A.Z. Propes, a member of Prime Minister Ben Gurion's staff. At that time he was responsible for organizing Israel’s Tenth Anniversary celebrations. When he inquired which instrument did not have an international competition, the harp was mentioned. Propes decided at once that the instrument so closely identified with King David, would be chosen.

The harp’s origins are indeed in the Middle East. Ancient harps, over 3000 years old were found in Iraq (the ancient Mesopotamia), in Egypt and in Megiddo, in ancient Israel.

Propes met with the best harpists in the world, discussed the existing repertoire and asked them to serve as members of the Jury. To this day, the International Jury is made up of harpists and musicians of world fame.

The Contest has also encouraged writing of music for the harp. It commissions an Israeli work for each contest. The Propes Prize is awarded for its best presentation.

Since 1959, the Contest in Israel has taken place every three years. The 17th Contest will take place in the 50th Anniversary year in the month of October.

All the 15 First Prize winners (2 men and 13 women) have done extremely well in their careers. At the last contest in 2006, for the first time, the winner was an Israeli, Mr. Sivan Magen.

A Gala Concert with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra on October 6th 2009 at the Mann Auditorium in Tel Aviv will open the Celebrations. A number of First Prize winners will play with the Orchestra at this festive occasion.

On its 50th Anniversary, the Contest will salute the City of Tel Aviv in its 100th birthday.

The Contest is grateful to the Israel Government, the cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Lyon & Healy, foundations and individuals in Israel and abroad for their continuing and steadfast support.

Although the International Harp Contest in Israel is no longer the only harp competition in the world, it remains unique in its excellence and prestige and focuses world attention on Israel.