BACKGROUND TO…

Joan La Barbara (b1947)

Born in Philadelphia, Joan La Barbara trained as a classical soprano, but in the course of her studies came to feel that her training imposed a repressive conformity. She starting to sing with jazz and avant garde ensembles, and in 1971 became a vocalist with Steve Reich and Musicians. While still performing with that group, she joined the Philip Glass Ensemble in 1973. She explored extended vocal techniques including circular breathing, multiphonics, clicks and vocal fry, and began to compose for her own voice. She teaches at New York University’s Steinhardt School.