Karel Patras International Harp Competition 2027: Prague Youth Players Apply by 31 October
The sixth Professor Karel Patras International Harp Competition is scheduled for 14–17 January 2027 in Prague, Czechia. Its official rules require a digital application, proof of date of birth and an unedited performance-video link by 31 October 2026. This is a focused youth harp contest with seven age divisions and a live one-round performance, rather than a competition for unrelated instruments.
Who can enter? Seven birth-year categories
The official table begins with children born in 2019 or later (Category 1) and ends with older students born from 2001 through 2006 (Category 7). There are additional grouped divisions for births in 2017–18, 2015–16, 2013–14, 2010–12, and 2007–09. Every category has a required minimum and maximum duration, from 2–4 minutes for the youngest to 12–18 minutes for the eldest.
Instrument and repertoire rules
Categories 1 and 2 use lever harp. Categories 3–7 must use pedal harp. Playing from memory is compulsory and music with any other instrumental accompaniment is not accepted. Some senior groups have a prescribed work by Prague-born harpist-composer Jean-Baptiste Krumpholtz, alongside their remaining own-choice repertoire. Read the PDF scores and duration table before preparing an entry; under-length performances can lead to disqualification.
Payment follows selection
Candidates must submit an unedited recording of one piece from their programme together with the electronic form by 31 October. The organiser plans to inform selected harpists by 15 November 2026. Accepted performers must then pay their fee by 30 November: €80 in categories 1–2 and €100 in categories 3–7. Applicants should check the official site for the organiser's banking/payment procedure rather than transferring money based on third-party reposts.
About the organiser
The project is promoted by Jana Hanuše Arts School in Prague 6 and associated local music-education partners. It is dedicated in 2027 to the 280th anniversary of Jean-Baptiste Krumpholtz's birth. The jury is described as a panel of five established harp teachers and performances are open to audiences. The site provides a detailed schedule, repertoire and application process.
Official regulations
Official 2027 harp competition and application rules: https://www.patrasharpcompetition.cz/en/
Verified 24 October 2026. Application deadline: 31 October 2026. Place: Prague, Czechia. Entrants should ensure their video is accessible to the jury and their documents are complete.