Courage Barda

Courage Barda (b. 2003) is a composer, media artist, and countertenor who composes and performs concert and interactive multimedia works which combine music with text, movement, theater, and digital technologies. They use a variety of experimental techniques in their work, captivating audiences through their expanded vocal lexicon, psychedelic video art, and minimalist prose. Their reconciliation with dance after a disabling neurological event is a key aspect of their work as an artist. Restricted by their physical impairment, they have developed a robust yet clear choreographic language that is defined by aleatoric and adaptive movement techniques. Their work is commissioned and performed by individuals and ensembles throughout the U.S., most notably Choral Arts Initiative, Hub New Music, International Brazilian Opera Company, The Capital Hearings, and NOTUS, Indiana University’s contemporary vocal ensemble. 

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In addition to their own compositions, Barda performs an eclectic repertoire as a countertenor specializing in the performance of both early music and new music, having performed in solo and chamber settings the music of J.S. Bach, Heinrich Schütz, José Marin, Guillaume de Machaut, G.F. Handel, Jean-Philippe Rameau, and John Dowland, as well as the music of Philip Glass, Michael Nyman, Leonard Bernstein, Benjamin Britten, Julián Carillo, and Unsuk Chin. 

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They are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in composition and historical performance (voice) at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying composition with Han Lash and voice with Judith Malafronte. They formerly studied composition with Don Freund and voice with Steven Rickards.