Joan la Barbara

Joan La Barbara’s career as a composer/performer/soundartist/actor explores the human voice as a multi-faceted instrument expanding traditional boundaries in developing a unique vocabulary of experimental and extended vocal techniques: multiphonics, circular singing, ululation and glottal clicks that have become her "signature sounds, influencing several generations of composers and singers. She creates works for multiple voices, chamber ensembles, music theater, orchestra and interactive technology.
La Barbara has collaborated with artists including Lita Albuquerque, Matthew Barney, Cathey Billian, Melody Sumner Carnahan, Judy Chicago, Ed Emshwiller, Kenneth Goldsmith, Peter Gordon, Christian Marclay, Bruce Nauman, Steina, Woody Vasulka and Lawrence Weiner. In the early part of her career, she performed and recorded with Steve Reich, Philip Glass and jazz artistsJim Hall, Hubert Laws, Enrico Rava and arranger Don Sebesky, developing her own unique vocal/instrumental sound. Hailed as "one of the great vocal virtuosas of our time"(San Francisco Examiner), she premiered landmark compositions written for her by noted American composers, including Morton Feldman’s Three Voices, Morton Subotnick's chamber opera  Jacob's Room, Philip Glass and Robert Wilson’s Einstein on the Beach at Festival d’Avignon and Steve Reich’s Drumming.