Joseph Harchanko has written extensively for traditional ensembles and digital media. His music has been described as both “energetic and exhilarating” and “mystically alluring.” Harchanko is also an active cellist and electric cellist and is a founding member of the wold music ensemble “Western Routes.” He lives in Salem, Oregon where many of his works are inspired by the western landscape. His works have been performed across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia including performances at New York’s Carnegie Hall, London’s Colourscape, France’s Bourges and Videoformes festivals, and New Music Tasmania. His music is available on the INNOVA and Aucourant record labels and through Latham Music Publishing, Keyboard Percussion Publications, and his own company- Harchanko Music.
Dr. Harchanko is an active music educator. He maintains a private studio in Salem and teaches orchestra in the Salem-Keizer School district. He is an former Assistant Professor of Composition, Theory, and Violoncello at Western Oregon University and was an Assistant Professor and iCommunications fellow at Ball State University where work is primarily centered at Ball State’s Music Technology Studio and with the Digital Media minor. He received his D.M.A. in composition at The University of Texas and holds masters degrees in cello and composition from The Florida State University. He has been awarded fellowships from ASCAP, the Aspen Music Festival, the Lilly Endowment, and UT.
