The World's Top Harpist: Claudia Lucia Lamanna's Triumph
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Claudia Lucia Lamanna has recently been crowned the best harpist in the world, marking a historic moment as she is the first Italian to receive this honor since Letizia Belmondo in 2001.
With her nimble and graceful fingers, Claudia achieved victory in the renowned International Harp Contest, which took place recently in Akko, Israel—an event celebrated for its challenging nature.
At just 26 years old, Claudia hails from Noci, a picturesque town in the Bari province of Puglia, Southern Italy, where she enjoys significant local acclaim.
Her passion for the harp ignited as a child during a concert, enchanted by the instrument's magical sound and elegant form. She began her lessons at the age of nine.
Claudia obtained her master's degree in harp at 17 and then embarked on a global journey to refine her skills and captivate audiences. In an interview with La Repubblica, she expressed, “The harp is an extension of my body; I perceive it as powerful, much more contemporary than many might assume.”
The Contest
The excitement of winning this globally recognized award was overwhelming for Claudia, who noted that this achievement is a testament to her lifelong dedication and sacrifices. With her remarkable talent, she triumphed over 63 competitors from 25 nations, producing celestial sounds from the harp strings.
This prestigious contest is not held annually; it occurs every three years, making her win even more significant. As a reward, she received a harp valued at $55,000 and a concert tour.
The Career
As highlighted by Il Corriere della Sera, Claudia has performed from a young age on some of the world's most esteemed stages, including the Oslo Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Merkin Concert Hall in New York, and Auer Hall at Indiana University.
She graduated with honors from the Nino Rota Conservatory in Monopoli and further honed her craft at prestigious institutions like the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, the Royal Academy of Music in London, and the Mozarteum in Salzburg.
In her own words, she stated, “I consider the harp on par with other solo instruments like the violin or cello, yet it possesses a unique elegance. It has depth and virtuosity, capable of evoking profound emotions in listeners. Unfortunately, many artistic directors overlook the harp, often scheduling just one solo concert per season. However, audiences adore it, and the enthusiasm after my performances is always evident. The harp deserves more recognition.”
Present and Future
Claudia released her debut album, “The Royal Academy of Music Bicentenary Series,” in 2020. Her next performance is scheduled for April 30 in Antibes with the Cannes National Orchestra, and she is also looking forward to the World Harp Congress in Cardiff from July 23 to 28.
Recently, Claudia shared her joy on Facebook:
“Finding the right words to convey my emotions has been challenging. I am overwhelmed with a mix of feelings, reflecting on the whirlwind of experiences from the past week. The support I have received has been incredible, and I am grateful for every message!”
“Winning First Prize at The International Harp Contest in Israel is a dream come true, representing years of dedication and hard work. It feels like winning an Olympic gold!”
Claudia extended her heartfelt gratitude to her mentors and colleagues who played vital roles in her journey, acknowledging the importance of their support and encouragement.
“I must thank my professors and all those who contributed to my growth, especially my mentor Stephen Fitzpatrick at Mozarteum, who guided me throughout this adventure. I also appreciate the guidance from Karen Vaughan at the Royal Academy of Music, among many others.”
“A special mention goes to my colleagues and friends worldwide, who provided sincere support during this journey. I am grateful to the contest's organizers and jury for believing in me and for hosting such a prestigious event.”
“Lastly, I dedicate this victory to my beloved father, Patrizio, and express my deep affection for my family and friends who have always been there for me.”
Claudia's journey continues, filled with excitement for her upcoming experiences and performances.