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 principle cellist of the Salem Orchestra in Oregon and a founding member of the Salem Cello Quartet. He performs with his daughter, Elena, under the name String Theory Cello Duo. Many of his compositions and performances 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. Check out his YouTube channel at Cellotopia and his Facebook page.
Dr. Harchanko is an active music educator and sits on the board of the Salem Youth Orchestra. He maintains a private studio in Salem and teaches orchestra at the Montessori Discovery Center. He currently teaches cello and composition at Corban University. He is a 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.
Joe's hobbies include outdoor adventures such as backpacking, hiking, skiing, kayaking, bicycling (on and off the road), and distance running (especially off the road). As an amateur mycologist, he sits on the board of the Willamette Valley Mushroom Society. He cultivates about a dozen mushroom species at home and can be found walking stooped over in the forest during the rainiest parts of the year, often crawling on hands and knees. His article on mushroom hunting in Ukraine can be found here. His paternal grandparents immigrated from Ukraine in the early 20th century and he is proud to stand with his fellow Ukrainians against the criminal brutality of imperial fascism. Please give to those in need at Razom (togehter) for Ukraine or The World Central Kitchen during this time of need. Slava Ukraini!