Canadian Composer Kalen Smith Wins Prestigious International Harp Composition Competition

The USA International Harp Competition has announced Canadian composer Kalen Smith as the winner of its 8th Ruth Inglefield Composition Contest for his innovative piece 'Bioluminescence.' This prestigious competition attracted 73 applications from composers across 23 countries, highlighting the global interest in contemporary harp composition and the evolving nature of the instrument's repertoire.

Smith, currently pursuing a Master's Degree in composition at McGill University, brings a unique perspective to harp composition through his background as a harpist combined with contemporary techniques and influences from electronic music. His winning composition 'Bioluminescence' explores the extreme registers of the harp, creating a distinctive underwater-inspired soundscape through various innovative techniques that push the boundaries of traditional harp performance.

The victory brings significant recognition and opportunities for Smith, including a $2,000 prize funded by the American Harp Society, Inc. More importantly, 'Bioluminescence' will be included in the 13th USAIHC's Stage III required repertoire and will be performed by the 2025 Gold Medalist at debut concerts worldwide. The composition will be published by Lyon & Healy Publications and made available for purchase on https://www.harp.com starting January 2, 2025, ensuring broad accessibility to harpists and music enthusiasts.

The international jury, comprising renowned composer Chen Yi and distinguished harpists from around the world, also recognized four other finalists representing diverse global perspectives: Yeonsuk Jung from South Korea, Caroline Lizotte from Canada, Ramin Amin Tafreshi from Iran, and Alexander Thomas from the United Kingdom. This selection reflects the competition's commitment to showcasing diverse compositional voices and approaches to harp music.

The USAIHC, founded in 1989 by Susann McDonald, has played a crucial role 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 extends beyond mere competition, creating lasting contributions to the harp repertoire available to performers worldwide. In May, during the 13th USAIHC, a Composition Forum will be held in Bloomington featuring performances of the other finalists' works and a discussion with Smith about 'Bioluminescence,' providing valuable insights into contemporary harp composition and performance techniques.

The impact of this competition extends far beyond the immediate recognition of Smith's work, contributing to the broader appreciation of the harp and fostering connections between musicians and audiences. By promoting artistic excellence and encouraging personal growth, the USAIHC plays a vital role in launching careers and sustaining the future of harp music. The selection of 'Bioluminescence' as the winning composition highlights the ongoing interest in exploring new sonic territories and techniques in harp music, representing a fusion of traditional harp playing with contemporary compositional approaches that may influence future directions in harp repertoire and performance practices.