Suoni d'Arpa — International Harp Competition in Italy
The international harp competition and festival in Saluzzo, in the heart of Piedmont
About Suoni d'Arpa
Saluzzo, the capital of the harp
Every summer, the town of Saluzzo, in the province of Cuneo at the foot of the Monviso, transforms for a few days into a global reference point for harp enthusiasts. Suoni d'Arpa — International Harp Competition in Italy attracts harpists from every continent, drawn by an event that blends the rigor of an international-level competition with the warmth of a true musical festival open to the city.
Organized by the Italian Harp Association under the artistic direction of Emanuela Degli Esposti and Lorenzo Montenz, the event takes place within the Fondazione Scuola di Alto Perfezionamento Musicale (APM), located on Via dell'Annunziata, just a short walk from the medieval historic center of Saluzzo.
A top-tier competition
The competition is reserved for solo harpists and is divided into age-based categories: under 15, under 20, and an open category for professionals. Contestants face a demanding program ranging from early repertoire to contemporary works, including pieces by Italian composers written specifically for the event.
Performances are evaluated by an international jury featuring some of the most prominent names in the global harp scene, including performers, educators, and founders of instrument-dedicated competitions and festivals. The substantial total prize pool includes scholarships, concert engagements, and special awards offered by foundations and supporters of musical culture.
The festival and public concerts
Alongside the competition, Suoni d'Arpa offers a rich festival of free-admission concerts that bring the evenings in Saluzzo to life. Internationally renowned harpists take the stage in a program that allows the public to get closer to an instrument with infinite tonal nuances. The days are further enriched by masterclasses, meetings with the jury, and guided tours of the historic harp factories in the Cuneo area, a true excellence of Italian musical craftsmanship.
Between music and heritage
Participating in Suoni d'Arpa also means discovering Saluzzo, one of the most beautiful art towns in Piedmont, with its medieval village, the Castiglia castle, and the panoramic view of the Monviso. The event thus weaves together high-level musical training, cultural tourism, and local promotion, confirming itself as an unmissable appointment for harpists, students, and music lovers alike.
Suoni d'Arpa — edition 2026
The 15th edition of Suoni d'Arpa brings solo harpists from all over the world to Saluzzo from August 25th to 30th, 2026. The competition is structured into three categories: under 15, under 20, and an open category for professionals, with preliminary and final rounds.
The artistic direction is entrusted to Emanuela Degli Esposti and Lorenzo Montenz, while the international jury brings together prominent names such as Nancy Allen (Juilliard School), Alexander Boldachev, Jung Kwak, Lorenzo Montenz, and Mattia Sismonda.
The festival opens on August 25th at 9:00 PM with the inaugural concert by Alexander Boldachev, which is free to attend. The following days will feature auditions for the various categories, guided tours of the Salvi harp factories, and opportunities for interaction between contestants and the jury.
Programme Suoni d'Arpa 2026
Main program:
- August 25th, 9:00 PM — Inaugural concert by Alexander Boldachev (free admission)
- August 26th-30th — Competition auditions by category (under 15, under 20, open category)
- August 27th-28th — Guided tours of the Salvi Harps factory (by reservation)
- Evening festival concerts with free admission and final awards ceremony
Detailed program being updated on the official website.
Highlights Suoni d'Arpa 2026
- Inaugural concert by virtuoso Alexander Boldachev
- International jury including Nancy Allen (New York Philharmonic / Juilliard)
- Total prize pool of approximately 25,000 euros
- City of Saluzzo Prize (2,000 euros and a concert for Saint Cecilia)
- Free-admission festival concerts
- Visits to the historic harp factories of the Cuneo area
Prices Suoni d'Arpa 2026
Practical information — Suoni d'Arpa
Getting there
Saluzzo can be reached by car via the A6 Turin-Savona motorway (Marene exit) or from the Cuneo plains. By train, you can reach Savigliano from Turin and then take a short connection to Saluzzo; the nearest airport is Turin-Caselle. The APM School, the competition venue, is located about a 10-minute walk from the historic center.
Admission and registration
Evening festival concerts are free of charge. Registration for the competition requires a participation fee and must be sent via email to the Italian Harp Association ([email protected]) by the deadline indicated on the official website.
Where to stay
The APM School has an on-site guesthouse offering bed and breakfast, available upon reservation ([email protected]). Alternatively, Saluzzo and its surroundings offer numerous accommodation options.
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Where does it take place — Suoni d'Arpa
Fondazione Scuola di Alto Perfezionamento Musicale (APM)
Via dell'Annunziata 1B, 12037 Saluzzo