Joan La Barbara
Sunday, Jan 23, 2022, 9 pm
Joan La Barbara has been exploring the human voice as a versatile instrument since the 1970s as a composer, performer, and sound artist, using her own experimental vocal techniques to expand the traditional boundaries of singing. Early on she used techniques from live electronics. She has been celebrated as a virtuoso in the field of contemporary music, and had works by artists such as John Cage and Morton Feldman composed for her. On the occasion of the exhibition presenting Tomas Schmit’s early pieces, whose artistic practice was highly influenced by new music, La Barbara presents two performances of her new work In available light (2021) as well as Windows, her „sonic atmosphere“ collage created from selected concert recordings betweeen 2003 and 2017.
Program
Introduction by Joan La Barbara
In available light I., 2021
Composed and performed by Joan La Barbara
02:00 – 11:23 min
Windows, 2003–2017
With an introduction by Joan La Barbara
Composed by Joan La Barbara
Performed by members of the Ne(x)tworks Ensembles:
Joan La Barbara (voice, electronics, computer and remix-engineer), Brian McWhorter (trumpet and electronics), Ruben Khodeli (cello), Kenji Bunch (viola), Cornelius Dufallo and Jesse Mills (violins), Miguel Frasconi (glass and electronics), Christopher McIntyre (trombone and electronics)
with guests Kathleen Supové and Gaylord Mowrey
11:27– 31:42 min
In available light II., 2021
Composed and performed by Joan La Barbara
31:46 – 40:24 min
Joan La Barbara (*1947 in Philadelphia) lives and works in New York, where she is an instructor at Mannes School of Music, The New School. She received classical vocal training at Syracuse University (1965–1968) and New York University (1968–1970). In 1971 she came into contact with the avant-garde movement as a member of the Steve Reich and Musicians ensemble. In 1979 she was a stipend of the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program. Her compositions have been performed at international festivals and renowned concert halls, including Performa 13, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York (2013); MaerzMusik, Berlin (2012); Carnegie Hall, New York (2011). She has received numerous awards, including the John Cage Award from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, New York (2016).
![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/98864/1208x292/1480108200/lotto-senkult_2022-en.jpg)