Stephan Haluska Empty Room

Stephan Haluska is a harpist, composer, and improviser based in Cleveland, OH. His music for harp examines the instrument’s unique textural, harmonic, and percussive qualities. Much of his music focuses on blending traditional and non-traditional harp playing through extended techniques, preparation, tools, electronics, and effects pedals.

The harp has developed a mystical identity in western culture as the sound of angels in heaven, magic, and dream sequences. Considering these stereotypes, Haluska attempts to expand the instrument beyond its preconceived notions, creating new roles and opportunities for it, and to (de)mystify the harp.

Haluska holds an MFA in Harp Performance with a concentration in Improvisation from Mills College and a BA in Music Composition from Bowling Green State University. He currently works as a freelance harpist performing standard harp repertory and original compositions and arrangements for solo harp. In addition to his solo music, he collaborates with numerous jazz, free improvisation, and experimental musicians around Northeast Ohio.