In Limoges, the 13th edition of the French Harp Competition attracts 133 harpists from around the world

The 13th French Harp Competition, hosted by the Limoges Regional Conservatory on February 23, 24 and 25, 2024, brings together 133 international harpists. For these young artists, it is a real springboard in their musical career.

Each year, 133 harpists from the four corners of the world grace the conservatory stage. Some have successfully completed all levels, progressing step by step until reaching the final. At the end of three days of competition, the finalists are divided into two distinct categories, called “Honor” and “Excellence” respectively. These two names could be the motto, since they perfectly illustrate the spirit of the competition.

Maximum concentration for the candidates who reached the final, where everyone gave the best of themselves to make the strings of their harps resonate. Backstage, as the competitors prepared to go on stage, some remembered the journey to Limoges. Among them, Lucile, a young British woman who shares her experience: “Playing here is really impressive, it’s fun, but it’s also stressful, a lot of concentration on stage because you need to be in your own bubble to perform the pieces.”

Since its creation in 2010, the French Harp Competition has attracted participants of all nationalities every year, making Limoges an unmissable meeting place for lovers of this instrument. The founder of the competition, Marie-Monique Popesco, underlines the importance of this event: “Young people reveal themselves during this type of competition. Limoges has become an international reference for harpists, whether they are teachers or concert performers.”

Over the years, Limoges has risen to the rank of great musical destinations, offering harpists from around the world a prestigious stage to express their talent.