11th USA International Harp Competition
Last month I photographed the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington. I’ve been a big skeptic of the mirrorless camera craze. But after a few days of this competition I finally understood one of the greatest upsides to mirrorless: silence. Midway through the competition, I rented a Canon EOS R. I was blown away by this incredible camera. It allowed me to remain completely silent yet capture a variety of images of the harpists in action. When the world’s greatest young harpists are competing all-out for a $55,000 harp (and other prizes), I didn’t want to be the distraction that could make a difference in the competition. This was one of the most fun photo shoots I’ve had recently and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have captured the event.
The Lyon and Healy Concert Grand Harp is moved to the stage before the awards ceremony following Stage IV performances of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Mathilde Wauters of Belgium performs with the Indiana University Summer Philharmonic Orchestra during the Stage IV concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Miriam Ruf of Germany selects a harp during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Tuesday, July 2, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Nan Wang of China practices during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Volunteer Chelsea Balmer moves a harp from a practice room during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Volunteers load harps onto an elevator during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
USA International Harp Competition Coordinator Caroline Robinson moves a harp during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
The Lyon and Healy Concert Grand Harp stands on stage during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
An audience member snaps a cell phone photo of Auer Hall before the opening ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Contestants walk in a processional into Auer Hall during the opening ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
USA International Harp Competition Founder and Artistic Director Susann McDonald hugs Executive Director Erin Brooker-Miller during the opening ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
USA International Harp Competition Founder and Artistic Director Susann McDonald, right, and Executive Director Erin Brooker-Miller share a smile during the opening ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
The Lyon and Healy Concert Grand Harp stands on stage during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
USA International Harp Competition Founder and Artistic Director Susann McDonald greets a contestant during the opening ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Contestants, special guests and jury members are pictured on stage during the opening ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Nicolette Chin of Singapore poses with her country’s flag after the opening ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Harpist Katherine Siochi takes the stage during her laureate recital at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Harpist Katherine Siochi performs during her laureate recital at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Harpist Katherine Siochi performs during her laureate recital at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Remy van Kesteren performs during his laureate recital at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 6, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Remy van Kesteren speaks to the audience during his laureate recital at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 6, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
The marquee of the Buskirk-Chumley Theater announces a laureate recital by harpist Remy van Kesteren as part of the 11th USA International Harp Competition in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 6, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Remy van Kesteren performs during his laureate recital at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 6, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Remy van Kesteren performs during his laureate recital at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 6, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Harpist Lenka Petrovic performs during her laureate recital at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Sunday, July 7, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Harpist Lenka Petrovic stands to take a bow during her laureate recital at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Sunday, July 7, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
USA International Harp Competition Founder and Artistic Director Susann McDonald speaks with Composition Forum performers before the forum at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Monday, July 8, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Harpist Sydney Campen performs during the Composition Forum at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Monday, July 8, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
A honey dipper hangs from the strings of a harp after the Composition Forum at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Monday, July 8, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Jury members including Dan Yu from China, center, react to an answer from 2018 6th Composition Contest Winner Uno Alexander Vesje during the Composition Forum at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Monday, July 8, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Sonja Inglefield reacts to an answer from 2018 6th Composition Contest Winner Uno Alexander Vesje during the Composition Forum at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Monday, July 8, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Lyon and Healy Technician John Papadolias moves a harp from a practice room to the stage during Stage III at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Se Hee Hwang from South Korea speaks before performing during Stage III at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
A harp sits on stage before a performance during Stage III at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Jury member Sylvain Blassel looks through papers during Stage III at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Se Hee Hwang from South Korea performs during Stage III at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Audience members look through the program during Stage III at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Mathilde Wauters from Belgium performs during Stage III at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Valerie Sim performs during the Stars of Tomorrow Concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Thursday, July 11, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Renee Murphy performs during the Stars of Tomorrow Concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Thursday, July 11, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Renee Murphy performs during the Stars of Tomorrow Concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Thursday, July 11, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Xinyue Zhang performs during the Stars of Tomorrow Concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Thursday, July 11, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
USA International Harp Competition Founder and Artistic Director Susann McDonald laughs during the panel discussion at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
USA International Harp Competition Program Coordinator Melanie Mashner wheels a harp onto stage for an orchestra rehearsal for Final Stage at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Melanie Laurent from France performs during an orchestra rehearsal for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Melanie Laurent from France performs during an orchestra rehearsal for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Melanie Laurent from France performs during an orchestra rehearsal for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Melanie Laurent from France speaks with conductor Arthur Fagen during an orchestra rehearsal for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Valerio Lisci from Italy practices before an orchestra rehearsal for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Valerio Lisci from Italy shares a laugh before an orchestra rehearsal for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Valerio Lisci from Italy performs during an orchestra rehearsal for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Conductor Arthur Fagen shares a laugh as he prepares to rehearse with Valerio Lisci from Italy, right, for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Mathilde Wauters from Belgium performs during an orchestra rehearsal for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Mathilde Wauters from Belgium performs during an orchestra rehearsal for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Mathilde Wauters from Belgium speaks with conductor Arthur Fagen during an orchestra rehearsal for the Final Stage concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 12, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
USA International Harp Competition Board of Directors member Jill Pitz poses for a portrait during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
The gold medal is pictured with the Lyon and Healy Concert Grand Harp during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
USA International Harp Competition Board of Directors member Charles Lin poses for a portrait during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
The Lyon and Healy Concert Grand Harp is pictured during the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Melanie Laurent of France performs with the Indiana University Summer Philharmonic Orchestra during the Stage IV concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Melanie Laurent of France performs with the Indiana University Summer Philharmonic Orchestra during the Stage IV concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Melanie Laurent of France performs with the Indiana University Summer Philharmonic Orchestra during the Stage IV concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Valerio Lisci of Italy performs with the Indiana University Summer Philharmonic Orchestra during the Stage IV concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Valerio Lisci of Italy performs with the Indiana University Summer Philharmonic Orchestra during the Stage IV concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Valerio Lisci of Italy performs with the Indiana University Summer Philharmonic Orchestra during the Stage IV concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Mathilde Wauters of Belgium performs with the Indiana University Summer Philharmonic Orchestra during the Stage IV concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Mathilde Wauters of Belgium performs with the Indiana University Summer Philharmonic Orchestra during the Stage IV concert at the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Stage IV finalists Melanie Laurent from France, left, Valerio Lisci from Italy and Mathilde Wauters from Belgium stand for recognition at the awards ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
Stage IV finalist Melanie Laurent from France, center, reacts as she realizes that she has won the first prize of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
First prize winner Melanie Laurent from France, left, is congratulated by second prize winner Valerio Lisci from Italy during the awards ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
First prize winner Melanie Laurent from France receives the Lyon and Healy Concert Grand Harp during the awards ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)
First prize winner Melanie Laurent from France receives her first-prize medal during the awards ceremony of the 11th USA International Harp Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday, July 13, 2019. (Photo by James Brosher)