Article 1 (Organizer)
The Slovenian Harp Association, in co-organization with the Fran Korun Koželjski Music School Velenje, announces the 7th International Competition of the Slovenian Harp Association. The purpose of the competition is to promote musical culture, encourage the exchange of experiences among young musicians from different regions and countries, and to inspire young people to pursue music education. The competition is open to students of public or private music schools, as well as young people receiving musical training in private courses, undergraduate or postgraduate studies, and also graduates of music schools.
Article 2 (Categories)
The competition is public. Participants will be divided into seven categories:
CATEGORY A-k: harpists born in 2015 and younger (Lever harp)
CATEGORY A-p: harpists born in 2015 and younger (Pedal harp)
CATEGORY B: harpists born in 2014 and 2013
CATEGORY C: harpists born in 2012 and 2011
CATEGORY D: harpists born in 2010, 2009, 2008
CATEGORY E: harpists born in 2007, 2006, 2005
CATEGORY F: harpists born between 2004 and 1996 (in two stages)
Category A-k is performed on the Lever harp.
Category A-p is performed on the Pedal harp.
Category F is performed in two stages.
Article 3 (Higher Category)
Very good musicians may, at their own decision and in agreement with their professor, apply in a higher age category. Each competitor may participate in only one category.
Article 4 (Date and Venue of the Competition)
The competition will take place at the Fran Korun Koželjski Music School Velenje from 23 to 26 April 2026.
Article 5 (Programme)
Each competitor must perform at least two different pieces, one of which must be chosen from the list of compulsory pieces (published on the website). The order of the pieces is not prescribed. In Category F, the compulsory piece is performed in the first stage. Upon application, the competitor must submit PDF copies of the sheet music for the entire programme. After submission, both the chosen programme and the chosen category are final.
Article 6 (Playing by Heart and Original Sheet Music)
The entire competition programme must be performed by heart. The competitor must possess the original sheet music of the performed works. The jury may request to inspect the original sheet music of the performed pieces. Otherwise, the competitor may be excluded from the competition.
Article 7 (Registration)
Each competitor must register at least one hour before their performance and present a photo ID.
Article 8 (Accompanist)
A piano will be available; however, competitors must arrange their own accompanist and cover the related costs.
Article 9 (Time Limits)
Competitors must observe the following time limits for the programme (from the beginning of the first piece to the end of the last piece):
CATEGORY A – up to 6 minutes
CATEGORY B – up to 10 minutes
CATEGORY C – up to 15 minutes
CATEGORY D – up to 20 minutes
CATEGORY E – up to 30 minutes
CATEGORY F – up to 50 minutes (2 stages of 25 minutes each)
Exceeding each full minute will be penalised by the deduction of one (1) point. The competition secretary will measure the time and inform the competition directors of any excess, who will in turn notify the jury.
Article 10 (Jury)
The juries of the categories are composed of at least three (3) members, who are recognised professors at conservatories or academies, musicians, or established figures from the world of music. If a jury member has their own competitor in a category, they may not evaluate them, but they may evaluate the other competitors in the same category.
Article 11 (Excess Applications)
If the number of applications exceeds the capacity of the competition, the organiser reserves the right to close the applications early. Earlier applications will be given priority.
Article 12 (Invitation and Cancellation of Categories)
The organiser reserves the right to invite one or more competitors to Category F or to cancel a category with an insufficient number of applications. In the event of cancellation by the organiser, the participation fee will be refunded.
Article 13 (Jury Decisions)
The decisions of the jury are final and indisputable. The jury may decide not to award certain prizes.
Article 14 (Disputes)
Any disputes concerning the course of the competition or procedures shall be resolved by the competition directors. Their decision is final, but does not affect the final decisions of the jury.
Article 15 (Participant’s Consent)
By submitting the application, competitors or their legal representatives agree to the public announcement of the results. By submitting the application, the participant accepts all articles of the regulations.
Article 16 (Points and Awards)
The first, second, and third prize-winning competitors must be awarded a score of 95–100 points. All other participants who achieve 90–100 points will receive a gold plaque; competitors with 80–89.99 points will receive a silver plaque; those with 70–79.99 points will receive a bronze plaque; and all others who achieve 50–69.99 points will receive a certificate of participation in the competition.
Jury Awards:
– to a competitor who achieves 100 points,
– to a competitor for the best performance of a compulsory piece,
– to a competitor from the lowest category for the most promising competitor.
Prizes may also be awarded by external sponsors, associations, and institutions.
Article 17 (Recording)
The competition may be recorded for archival purposes exclusively by the organiser. Recording by participants or visitors is prohibited and may result in the disqualification of the competitor.
Article 18 (Responsibility for the Harps)
The organisers may assist with carrying harps onto the stage, into classrooms, or elsewhere within the premises of the Fran Korun Koželjski Music School Velenje, but they do not assume responsibility for any potential damage to the instruments or other personal belongings.
Article 19 (Application Deadline and Participation Fee)
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
For a successful application, the following must be submitted:
– an online application with a copy of the sheet music,
– a photocopy of an identity document,
– proof of payment of the participation fee.
Participation fee:
– €80 for categories A, B, C
– €100 for categories D, E, F.
Pre-registration until January 1, 2026:
– €60 for categories A, B, C
– €80 for categories D, E, F.
The participation fee is non-refundable.
The payment must be made to:
SLOVENIAN HARP ASSOCIATION
Jenkova cesta 4, 3320 Velenje, Slovenia
IBAN: SI56024260019202072
BIC: LJBASI2X
REFERENCE: SI00 2026
PURPOSE OF PAYMENT: Full name of the competitor
Article 20 (Use of Recordings)
By submitting the application, the competitor agrees that the organiser may use photographs and video recordings made during the competition for the purposes of promotion, documentation, or archiving, without additional consent.
Article 21 (Force Majeure)
In the event of force majeure (e.g. natural disaster, epidemic, etc.), the organiser reserves the right to change the venue and date of the competition. Participants will be informed of any changes in due time.
President of the competition: Boris Štih
Competition Directors: Naja Mohorič and Katja Šumečnik
Organisers of the Competition: Slovenian Harp Association and Fran Korun Koželjski Music School Velenje
Contact:
📧 drustvoharfistovslovenije@gmail.com
📧 slovenianharpcompetition@gmail.com
📞 +386 51 202 888
English (UK) 
Slovenščina