Concours Français de la Harpe, Limoges – Results!

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February 25, 2016

Michelle Sweegers, winner of the “Supérieur” category, with Jakez François

Congratulations to the huge number of candidates who took part in the Concours Français de la Harpe, in Limoges last weekend! You can view the results here.

Now in its seventh year, the Concours Français was created by Marie-Monique Popesco and Véronique Chenuet. They wanted to offer young harpists the chance to compete at all levels, from beginners to young professionals, and on all types of harp, from the smallest lever harps to the concert grand models. From the beginning, the competition has attracted a great number of candidates, with 113 the first year and rising steadily ever since. This year, competitors arrived not only from across France, but also from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, Russia and even China.

They all had the opportunity to play for a top-flight jury: Alain Voirpy, Anne Le Roy-Petit, Isabelle Marie, Sylvain Blassel, Véronique Chenuet, and Sophie Hallynck. The competition also distinguishes itself by the care and attention it pays to the wellbeing of all candidates.

Elisabeth Fontan-Binoche, after her recital at the Concours Français de la Harpe 2016

Competitions are difficult enough without having to struggle with logistical issues, and we much admire the attention to detail in Limoges – from the warm welcome at the front desk, to the smooth supply and transportation of instruments for the candidates. “Good conditions for competitors has been our priority from the beginning”, explains Véronique Chenuet. “As we would wish for our own pupils, or indeed for ourselves.”