International Pedal Harp
Improvisation Competition

Improvisation, both free and structured, explores new methods of extending the pedal harp’s voice to develop new languages and challenge the current stereotype of the instrument. The aim is for the pedal harp to better respond to the wide variety of contexts available in current times, both in Solo performances and in collaboration with other instruments.

Tierra 47 grants harpists the freedom to express themselves and to explore in their own language.

Tierra 47 _ Competition challenges the limits imposed on audience and performers alike by the persistent use of harp repertoire that has been excessively sanctioned by tradition. Typically, the pedal harp is characterized as an instrument limited to, in the words of jazz harpist Park Stickney “sweet glissandos and quiet plucking”.