The Pan American Duo
Our Background
Canadian cellist Kathleen Long and Mexican American flutist Julia Barnett are a dynamic musical duo whose partnership began in the Hawaii Symphony. Since first meeting there, they’ve become great friends and frequent collaborators, bringing their shared artistry to performances across Southern California. They love exploring the music of the Americas and beyond.
Kathleen Long, Cello
Kathleen Long, a Canadian native originally from the province of Saskatchewan, is currently a cellist with the Hawaii Symphony. She has previously served as Principal Cello of the Shreveport Symphony and performed as a section cellist with the Omaha Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, Odysseus Chamber Players, and the Abilene Philharmonic. While living in Texas, she also served as Adjunct Professor of Cello at Tarrant County College.
Kathleen earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alberta, a Master of Music degree from the University of Toronto, and an Artist Diploma from Texas Christian University. She has also participated in the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, Orford Centre d’Arts, and the Toronto Summer Music Academy. Her principal teachers include Dr. Jesús Castro-Balbi, Jennifer Humphreys, and Roman Borys.
She currently resides in San Diego with her husband, son Theodore, daughter Violet, and dog, Baby Bear.
Julia Barnett, flute
Flutist Julia Barnett is a Southern California–based performer, teacher, and arts leader known for her rich tone and versatility as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. She has appeared as soloist with ensembles including the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Chamber Orchestra, and UCLA Symphony; performed widely in chamber groups; and held notable orchestral positions, including joining the Hawaii Symphony as 2nd flute/Associate Principal for the 2024–2025 season.
Dr. Barnett also directs the Avanti Flute Choir and has earned numerous competition honors. A champion of new music and bicultural advocacy, she has commissioned and premiered many works—often elevating contemporary Mexican composers—reflecting the focus of her doctoral research on Roberto Peña’s flute concerto, alongside degrees from UCLA (DMA), the University of Colorado Boulder (MM), and Rice University (BM).
