Charles Halka

Charles Halka is a Pacific Northwest-based composer whose music ranges from energetic and visceral to haunting and reflective. His works—acoustic, electronic, and interdisciplinary—often draw inspiration from natural phenomena, human movement, visual art, and poetry, while also exploring improvisation and play. Performed internationally by ensembles such as Alarm Will Sound, Mivos Quartet, Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, and the Mexican National Symphony Orchestra, his music has been featured at venues including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Palau de la Música Catalana, and ISCM World Music Days. Honors include a Barlow Endowment Commission, a Copland House Residency Award, and a Fulbright grant. Halka is Associate Professor of Composition and Theory at Western Washington University.