The Composition Contest for the USA International Harp Competition takes place prior to the triennial performance competition. It was established in 2003 to promote the harp as a solo instrument and to encourage composers to write new works for the harp. To date over 250 composers from 40 countries have been Composition Contest participants.

PRIZES
Cash Award: $2,000 USD
Performance: The winning composition will be included in the 2016 USA International Harp
Competition’s required third stage repertoire. It will also be performed by the Gold Medalist at 10th Competition-related debut recitals.
Recording: The winning composition may be included in the CD recording produced by Lyon & Healy Harps for the 10th Competition winner.
Publication: The winning composition will be published by Lyon & Healy Harps.

RULES
Duration: 6-8 minutes.
Instrumentation: Solo harp (Other instruments may be included if played by the harpist. Electronics are permitted if no additional personnel are required. Please contact the Composition Contest Chair in advance of submission to be certain that the planned approach will be accepted.)
Eligibility: The work must be unpublished, unawarded and not have been recorded for commercial distribution. Previous Composition Contest winners are not eligible.
Submissions: Online application form, PDF of anonymous score, MP3 recording played by a harpist.

DEADLINES
October 30, 2015: Online application form, brief bio, PDF of anonymous score.
November 30, 2015: MP3 recording of submitted work played by a harpist. No digital or midi recordings will be accepted. Please find your harpist early to permit enough preparation time.
January 30, 2016: Winning composition announced.

QUESTIONS
Dr. Ruth K. Inglefield, Composition Contest Chair: rkinglefield@gmail.com