Canadian Composer Wins Prestigious International Harp Composition Competition
TL;DR
Kalen Smith from Canada wins the 8th Ruth Inglefield Composition Contest, gaining $2,000 and inclusion in the 13th USA International Harp Competition's Stage III required repertoire.
Smith's award-winning composition, Bioluminescence, explores extreme harp registers and combines tonal music structures, contemporary techniques, and effects from electronic music.
The USA International Harp Competition aims to inspire artistic excellence, encourage personal growth, and create community between musicians and their audiences.
Bioluminescence by Kalen Smith creates musical color by exploring extreme harp registers with a variety of techniques including près de la table, xylophonics, harmonics, and fingernails.
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The USA International Harp Competition has selected Canadian composer Kalen Smith as the winner of its 8th Ruth Inglefield Composition Contest for his piece 'Bioluminescence,' chosen from 73 applications across 23 countries. This international recognition highlights the global nature of contemporary harp composition and the ongoing evolution of the instrument's repertoire. Smith, a Master's Degree candidate in composition at McGill University, brings unique perspective as both composer and harpist, blending traditional harp techniques with electronic music influences in his winning work.
'Bioluminescence' explores the extreme registers of the harp, creating an underwater-inspired soundscape through innovative techniques that push the boundaries of conventional harp performance. The composition's selection by an international jury including renowned composer Chen Yi and distinguished harpists from around the world underscores its artistic merit and technical innovation. Smith receives a $2,000 prize funded by the American Harp Society, Inc., and his work will be included in the 13th USAIHC's Stage III required repertoire, performed by the 2025 Gold Medalist at debut concerts.
The competition's impact extends beyond the winner, with four other finalists representing South Korea, Canada, Iran, and the United Kingdom, demonstrating the truly international scope of contemporary harp composition. Lyon & Healy Publications will publish the score, making it available for purchase on https://www.harp.com starting January 2, 2025, ensuring broad accessibility for harpists worldwide. This publication represents a significant contribution to the harp repertoire, providing performers with new material that challenges traditional playing techniques and expands the instrument's sonic possibilities.
The USAIHC, founded in 1989 by Susann McDonald, has been instrumental in promoting new works for the harp through its composition contest, now in its eighth cycle. The organization's mission to inspire artistic innovation in harp music aligns with the competition's role in launching careers and sustaining the future of harp performance. In May, during the 13th USAIHC, a Composition Forum in Bloomington will feature performances of the other finalists' works and a discussion with Smith about 'Bioluminescence,' offering valuable insights into contemporary harp composition and performance techniques.
The selection of 'Bioluminescence' represents a fusion of traditional harp playing with contemporary compositional approaches, potentially influencing future directions in harp repertoire and performance practices. This recognition contributes to the broader appreciation of the harp and its evolving role in contemporary classical music, fostering connections between musicians and audiences while encouraging personal growth and artistic excellence among emerging composers.
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