Haralabos Stafylakis

Haralabos (Harry) Stafylakis is a Lecturer of Music in Studio Composition at the Conservatory of Music, State University of New York at Purchase. A New York City-based, JUNO-nominated composer originally from Montreal, his work fuses classical traditions with the energy and aesthetic of heavy metal, described as 'dreamy yet rhythmic' by The New York Times and 'ferociously expressive' by the Times Colonist. He is actively involved in contemporary music through composition, performance, and education.

Education:

• BMus, McGill University
• MA, The Graduate Center, CUNY
• DM, The Graduate Center, CUNY

Stafylakis’s research and creative interests center on contemporary classical composition, particularly the integration of progressive metal and chamber or orchestral music. His work explores narrative depth, emotional intensity, and environmental themes, often structured as programmatic symphonic poems or concept-driven chamber works. He is deeply engaged in new music communities, especially through cross-genre collaborations and collective initiatives.

His recent compositions reflect a consistent trend in fusing classical rigor with metal’s visceral energy. Works like Calibrating Friction and Incinerate demonstrate his focus on rhythmic propulsion, dramatic contrasts, and virtuosic performance. Thematic concerns often include existential, environmental, and mythological narratives, as seen in Holocene Extinction and Wheel of Time. These pieces span orchestral, chamber, and solo forms, showcasing his versatility and conceptual ambition.

Scientific and Artistic Awards:

• Charles Ives Fellowship, American Academy of Arts and Letters
• ASCAP Leonard Bernstein Award
• SOCAN Classical Composer of the Year
• Four SOCAN Foundation Awards for Young Composers
• JUNO Nominee (2022, Iguana)
• JUNO Nominee (2024, Calibrating Friction)

Stafylakis is a founding member of the ICEBERG New Music collective, which promotes emerging composers and innovative programming. He has advised and collaborated with numerous performers and ensembles, including Dame Evelyn Glennie, Roomful of Teeth, JACK Quartet, and Animals As Leaders. His works have been supported by commissions from orchestras such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and ensembles like Land's End Ensemble, often with backing from organizations like the SOCAN Foundation.

He maintains an active creative lab through his website and recordings, with works released on New Amsterdam Records, Naxos, Analekta, and others. His recent album Calibrating Friction exemplifies his signature chamber and metal fusion style, produced in collaboration with Adam Pietrykowski.