About Us

The USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) is an independent triennial performance competition, exclusively sponsored by Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, and Lyon and Healy Harps.  Led by Artistic Director, Elizabeth Hainen and Associate Artistic Director Emmanuel Ceysson, our world-class competition held in Bloomington, Indiana recognizes the accomplishments and fosters the careers of gifted young harpists worldwide. 

The ten-day competition is open to harpists of all nationalities between the ages of 18 and 32. Contestants compete in four stages: the first two stages consist of required repertoire, the third stage is a 45-minute solo program of required repertoire and free choice selections by the contestant, and the fourth stage features the three finalists performing a harp concerto accompanied by an orchestra as well as a free choice solo.

Since its inception, over 400 harpists from 31 countries have traveled to Bloomington, Indiana to compete for the coveted Gold Medal. In addition to awarding outstanding prizes, the USA International Harp Competition has an impressive record of launching careers. 

The USAIHC performance competition is paired with a globally recognized triennial Composition Contest producing myriad new works for the harp. We also recognize the need to engage with our local community by presenting an annual Concert Series of distinguished harpists and introduces hundreds of students and community members to the harp through its educational program, Harp Start. 

The USA International Harp Competition was founded in 1989 by Susann McDonald, world-renowned harpist, and Distinguished Professor Emerita of Harp at Indiana University, USAIHC Artistic Director, Emeritus, along with Linda Rollo, USAIHC Vice President & Associate Artistic Director, Emeritus.  

The USAIHC is an independent 501(c)(3) not-profit organization which derives its operating funding from grants, private donations, and admission fees. The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music graciously sponsors the USAIHC and enables the competition to take place in campus facilities. The USAIHC organization, competition and other outreach activities are not funded by Indiana University.  

Spanning the diversity of performance, new music, and education, the USA International Harp Competition offers inspiration, appreciation, and excellence for the harp and harpists worldwide. Please consider giving a financial gift today to continue to expand and uphold the artistry of the harp.