Bethany Battafarano

Bethany Battafarano headshot
Cohort Year: 2022
Research Interests: voice theory; sound studies; ecomusicology; performance as research; critical race theory; Latin American studies; Indigenous studies; ethics in arts non-profit administration; ethics in performance
Education: MA, University of Oregon; MM, University of Oregon; BA, Macalester College

About

Bethany (she/her) is a professional soprano, arts non-profit executive, and PhD student in Ethnomusicology. As a performer, Bethany specializes in experimental vocal practices and historical performance practices (HPP) of vocal music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. As a non-profit executive, Bethany co-founded and administrates professional choral arts non-profit Border CrosSing, based out of the Twin Cities, MN. As an ethno/musicologist, Bethany's research centers on voice theory, with interests in early colonial Mexica (Nahuatl) voice-acts, contemporary Ecuadorian Achuar voice concepts, soprano historical performance practice techniques, and equitable/inclusive industry practices in the professional choral arts. Bethany presents regularly at conferences, and she has taught undergraduate coursework in voice performance, music in world cultures, and Western music history.