The International Harp Contest in Israel will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2009.

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 Board has also encouraged writing of music for the harp. It commissions an Israel work for each contest, and the Propes Prize is awarded for the 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.

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.

The celebrations will open with a Gala Concert with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra on October 6th 2009 at the Mann Auditorium in Tel Aviv. A great number of past First Prize winners will play with the Orchestra at this festive occasion. On its 50th anniversary the Harp Contest will salute the City of Tel Aviv on its 100th'

The Contest is grateful to the Israel Government, the America-Israel Cultural Foundation, 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.

For more information: http://www.harpcontest-israel.org.il/

Or you can write to: harzimco@netvision.net.il (The International Harp Contest in Israel, The Zimriya)