We each carry our histories, cultures, and stories forward by sharing them through meaningful collaboration, not by holding them in isolation. In this session, Dr. Michael Barrett and Dr. Cameron LaBarr present a case study of their 2025 collaboration between the University of Pretoria TUKS Camerata and the Missouri State University Chorale: a full-length commercial recording album of South African and American music featuring the combined choirs, detailing the project’s inception, practical issues, and the results of their cultural exchange. The presenters will lead attendees through the challenges and benefits of collaboration, and explain how international and local community collaboration is possible and essential for every choir.
The Collaborative Spirit: Transforming Choirs Though Shared Human Experience
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Michael Joseph Barrett
Michael Joseph Barrett is an internationally acclaimed conductor, composer, and choral clinician. He holds a Doctor of Music in Choral Performance from the University of Pretoria and served as conductor of the TUKS Camerata and professor of choral conducting from 2013 to 2025. He is in demand worldwide as a guest conductor and clinician and has conducted all-state choirs in South Carolina, Texas, and Missouri. He has held residencies at Missouri State University, Texas State University, San José State University, and the University of Washington. He has conducted and presented in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, and made both his Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House debuts in 2026. Dr. Barrett has over forty-five published choral works and currently serves as conductor in residence at Kingswood College (Melbourne) and is the founder and artistic director of Australia Sings.
Cameron LaBarr
Cameron LaBarr is director of choral studies and the Clif and Gail Smart Professor in Music at Missouri State University. He earned an MM and DMA from the University of North Texas. Dr. LaBarr has an international reputation as conductor, clinician, and choral juror across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia, and serves as board member for the International Federation for Choral Music. LaBarr's recent engagements include concerts and events in Indonesia, France, Chile, Argentina, South Korea, South Africa, and Spain. He curates two choral series with Santa Barbara Music Publishing and Walton Music, where he champions emerging and established composers and is additionally published by Colla Voce, Choristers Guild, and GIA Publications.
