Barbara Hannigan Sings and Conducts LSO in London on March 16

Barbara Hannigan performed a 36-minute vocal piece and then conducted the LSO. This is a rare display of talent from one artist.
By Newsroom | Arts, London |

Soprano-Turned-Conductor Leads Orchestra Through Varied Program

LONDON – In a striking display of artistic versatility, Barbara Hannigan, a renowned soprano and Associate Artist with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), has demonstrated a profound command over both voice and baton. Hannigan recently performed a demanding program, beginning with a substantial vocal work and transitioning seamlessly to conducting complex orchestral pieces. The dual nature of her performance underscores a singular ability to inhabit music from both within and without.

A Night of Intense Fluency and Fluidity

The concert featured Hannigan as a soloist, delivering a "visceral 36-minute monodrama," before stepping onto the podium to lead the LSO through works by Ligeti and Richard Strauss. Observers noted her intensely fluent soprano, which "lived and breathed the music." On the conductor's stand, Hannigan's approach was described as employing "similarly elastic physicality to sculpt a score with remarkable fluidity." Her direction of the LSO, particularly in Strauss's Also sprach Zarathustra, was characterized by an "erotic charge" and a capacity to "coax the LSO to ever greater heights of passion." The orchestra’s players exhibited a high degree of synchronicity, with strings showing "almost telepathic powers" in their alignment with Hannigan's direction.

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Diverse Repertoire, Unified Vision

Beyond the Strauss, the program included early 20th-century French music, described as "more sedate but also fascinating," and concluded with Haydn's Symphony No. 104. The shift from the intensity of the monodrama and Strauss to the earlier French works, and then to Haydn, presented a considerable challenge. Despite the potential for fatigue, the performance was noted for its sustained energy and vitality. One account suggests the concert "fizzed with life," even if it wasn't the "neatest performance" on record. This sustained energy, following such a demanding initial vocal performance, highlights the unique capabilities Hannigan brought to the evening.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Barbara Hannigan do with the London Symphony Orchestra on March 16?
Barbara Hannigan, a singer and conductor, performed a long vocal piece and then led the London Symphony Orchestra in playing music by Ligeti, Richard Strauss, and Haydn.
Q: How was Barbara Hannigan's singing during the March 16 LSO concert?
Her singing was described as very strong and full of life. She performed a 36-minute piece that required a lot of energy and emotion.
Q: How did Barbara Hannigan conduct the LSO on March 16?
She conducted with a lot of energy and movement, guiding the orchestra through complex music like Richard Strauss's Also sprach Zarathustra. The orchestra played very well with her.
Q: What kind of music did Barbara Hannigan perform and conduct with the LSO on March 16?
The program included a modern vocal work, music by Ligeti, Richard Strauss, early 20th-century French music, and Haydn's Symphony No. 104. This showed a wide range of musical styles.
Q: Was the March 16 LSO concert with Barbara Hannigan considered a success?
Yes, the concert was seen as full of life and energy. While not the most perfect performance, Hannigan's dual role as singer and conductor was impressive and captivating for the audience.