First International Harp Competition

The first international Harp competition
Official Award Medal, 5719-1959

The harp, in one form or another, is a musical instrument common to the peoples of all nations, ancient as well as modern. Its legendary past, its magic strains, have marked it as a poetic symbol, noble and graceful. Harpists from various countries around the world assembled in Jerusalem in 1959 to participate in the first International Harp Competition. The competition's aim was to enhance the prestige of the harp, an ancient instrument, in its modern garb. The judges of the competition included composers and harp virtuosos from all over the world. Renditions heard were classical compositions for harp as well as those especially created for the occasion.

Obverse: Center, a raised figure of King David, the poet king of Israel, playing the harp. On the right the inscription "First International Harp Competition". On the left, toward the edge, the inscription "Jerusalem, Elul, 5719".

Reverse: Above, the word "harp" in Hebrew, the letter "bet" shaped like a harp. On the rim, above in French, "First International Harp Competition". Below in French, Jerusalem, Israel, Septembre 1959".

Edge: On the bronze and silver medals the State emblem and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English. On the silver medals, in Hebrew "Silver 935" and in English "Silver" on medals minted by Hecht or "Sterling" on those minted by Zechovoy. Copper medals are smooth.

Designer: Fred Pauker.

Engraving: Kretschmer

Mint: Copper medals - Kretschmer: 100, Zechovoy: 100. Bronze/Sample - Zechovoy: 524, Kretschmer: 838. Silver-Zechovoy: 1601, Hecht: 285