Note: We have been hearing from several people that a blog following the 8th USA International Harp Competition would be a great addition. So, without further ado, here it is!

Greetings from Bloomington, Indiana, where Stage II of the USA International Harp Competition is about to begin. 18 of the original 39 contestants passed to this stage, and the first performer will begin at 2 pm today. Here are the contestants who will be competing, in order of performance:

Hinako Hara
Gwenllian Llyr
Coline-Marie Orliac
Lena-Maria Buchberger
Elizaveta Bushueva
Valerie Milot
Agnes Clement
Cecile Monsinjon
Rino Kageyama
Agne Keblyte
Marta Marinelli
Katrina Szederkenyi
Hannah Kuipers
Ruriko Yamamiya
Emilie Jaulmes
Li-Ya Huang
Jimin Lee
Vasilisa Lushchevskaya

Having listened to all of the competitors in Stage I, it is clear that the competitors are extremely talented harpists, and the performance level is fantastic. It makes sitting in the recital hall for 7 hours a day much easier, and the process of judging much harder! A side note about the recital hall: the seats are all wooden, and after day one of Stage I, it became clear that we needed to buy cushions for the judges. (cushions and sparkling water are both essential aspects of this competition.) Now, attractive red cushions decorate the jury rows, and it is our personal opinion that they coordinate nicely with the wood stain of the chairs.

As the competitors perform, we will bring you exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage, including post-performance interviews and what really goes on inside all of the practice rooms. But for now, it's back to moving harps and moving those seat cushions into the hall. If there are any requests for any information let us know - any specific competitors or jury members you would like us to interview; questions about the inner-workings of the competition or anything else harp related. You could also ask for love advice or advice about the stock market, but the answers might not be quite as reliable.

Stay tuned for more coverage!

~Harpo Marks

PS: Anyone else excited for the World Cup final? We will be giving updates between performers today :)