Embodying music with an unparalleled dramatic sensibility, soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan is an artist at the forefront of creation. The Canadian musician has shown a profound commitment to the music of our time and has given the world première performances of over 85 new creations.
Hannigan’s album as both singer and conductor, Crazy Girl Crazy (2017), won the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal album. In spring 2020 Barbara was awarded the Dresdener Musikfestspiele Glashütte Award, and May 2021 saw her awarded Denmark’s prestigious Léonie Sonning Music Prize.
Barbara Hannigan receives the 2025 Polar Music Prize alongside Queen and Herbie Hancock.
Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of Iceland Symphony Orchestra (starting in August 2026)
Principal Guest Conductor of Göteborgs Symphoniker (2019 - present)
Principal Guest Conductor of Lausanne Chamber Orchestra (2024- present)
Première Artiste Invitée of Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France (2022 - present)
Associate Artist of London Symphony Orchestra (2022 - present)
Reinbert de Leeuw Professor of Music at Royal Academy of Music London (2023 – present)
“Hannigan has an ability to create colors of exceptional poetic beauty.”
“Here is the singing of someone totally unafraid, leaping securely over vast distances, stamina yoked with high emotions.”
“Her interpretation is extremely intense and highly personal.”