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Composer  

 

Ysaye Maria Barnwell is a renowned American composer, singer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 31, 1946, in New York City, Barnwell grew up in a family that valued music and education. Her father was a physician, and her mother was a nurse, and they instilled in her a love for learning and a passion for music. Barnwell's musical journey began at an early age when she started singing in her church choir. She was also exposed to classical music through her parents' record collection, which included works by Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. Barnwell's talent for singing was evident from a young age, and she went on to study music at the State University of New York at Fredonia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music education. After completing her undergraduate studies, Barnwell went on to pursue a Master of Science degree in speech pathology and audiology at Michigan State University. During her time at Michigan State, she continued to sing and perform, and she also began to explore the world of African American music and culture. This experience would prove to be a significant influence on her later work as a composer. In 1977, Barnwell joined the a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock, which was founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon. The group's music was a blend of African American spirituals, gospel, and folk music, and Barnwell's powerful voice and dynamic stage presence quickly made her a standout member of the group. Over the next 34 years, Barnwell would tour the world with Sweet Honey in the Rock, performing in venues ranging from small churches to large concert halls. During her time with Sweet Honey in the Rock, Barnwell also began to develop her skills as a composer. She wrote many of the group's most popular songs, including "Breaths," "We Are," and "Ella's Song." Her compositions were characterized by their powerful lyrics, intricate harmonies, and use of African American musical traditions. In addition to her work with Sweet Honey in the Rock, Barnwell has also had a successful career as an educator. She has taught at numerous universities and music schools, including the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Maryland, and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. She has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing her knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians and composers. Barnwell's compositions have been performed by choirs and ensembles around the world, and she has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of music. In 2019, she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and in 2020, she was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor given to traditional artists in the United States. Some of Barnwell's most notable compositions include "Wanting Memories," "No Mirrors in My Nana's House," and "Would You Harbor Me?" These songs, like much of her work, are characterized by their powerful messages of social justice and equality, as well as their use of African American musical traditions. Barnwell's legacy as a composer, singer, and educator is a testament to the power of music to inspire and unite people from all walks of life.

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