Through his idiosyncratic approaches to the harp, Cleveland-based harpist, improviser, and composer, Stephan Haluska (he/they) draws from the instrument’s unique textural, percussive, physical, and kinetic qualities. Viewing the harp as a frequently misunderstood and unrepresented instrument in contemporary music, he often rejects conventional modes of playing in favor of finding new ways to expand his sound pallet. Stephan plays with an advanced vocabulary of extended techniques and preparations, which include the use of various tools, materials, and gadgetry. He uses various means of electronics and electronic processing and incorporates interdisciplinary elements of found object, collage, poetry, sound art, movement, and performance art into his artistic practices.
Stephan has given a number of festival performances, most notably at the International Harp Festival. He has been selected as artist in residence at No Such Thing As Noise and Soaring Gardens. Some of his recent collaborators include world-renown flutist, Robert Dick; bassoonist, Dana Jessen; drummer, Tim Daisy; and Halumnen, a three- piece electro-acoustic project of harp, soprano voice, and laptop electronics.
Since 2021, Stephan leads Cleveland Uncommon Sound Project (CUSP) as managing director. CUSP is a new and experimental music concert series and festival that is dedicated to strengthening the artistic engagement of the Northeast Ohio community by championing the creation and performance of new music. As an educator, Stephan holds a private studio at The Music Settlement where he teaches harp and courses in music theory, composition, and arranging. He has taught electronic music courses at Oberlin Conservatory as a visiting professor of TIMARA (Technology in Music and Related Arts) and has guest lectured at Oberlin Conservatory, Cleveland Institute of Art, Bowling Green State University, and Cleveland State University. Stephan received an MFA in Harp Performance and Literature with a concentration in Improvisation from Mills College in 2014 and received his BA in Music Composition and Theory from Bowling Green State University in 2012.