It was his charming wife Raphaële, a fine harpist, who drew Serge Lancen's attention to the harp. He has written various works for this instrument, such as: 'Pour Raphaële', 'Duo Concertant' for harp and flute, 'Crépuscule' for two harps, 'Concerto Champêtre' for solo harp and chamber orchestra, and many pieces in a lighter vein for harp quintet and this Harp Concerto. The initial cadenza was inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns Second Piano Concerto a work which Serge Lancen studied as a young boy. The Harp Concerto can be played with a symphonic band, a string orchestra or the piano.
This work, dedicated to his wife, was premiered in July 1990 during the First Le Havre International Wind Band Festival , by Marie-Pierre Cochereau and the Le Havre Municipal Symphonic Band, conducted by Philippe Langlet.
