The Polar Music Prize recognises and honours pioneering musical legacy in both contemporary and classical music. This year, Barbara Hannigan has been announced as a recipient of the prize alongside Herbie Hancock and Queen, joining a select group of trailblazing artists who have been bestowed with this prestigious honour.
The Polar Music Prize ceremony will take place on Tuesday 27 May in Stockholm, where Barbara will be presented her award in the presence of the Swedish Royal Family. Other recent winners of the Polar Music Prize include Honorary Members of the Royal Academy of Music Esa-Pekka Salonen and Anne-Sophie Mutter, as well as alum and Honorary Doctorate recipient Dame Evelyn Glennie.
In her role of Reinbert de Leeuw Professor of Music, Barbara regularly visits the Academy to direct ensembles, mentor singers and offer guidance to students on strategies for optimising performance. Last week she returned to work with percussion, composition and singing students on a range of music in workshops and one-to-one sessions.
This week we are grateful that Barbara, one of the world's leading interpreters of Haydn's music, will step in for an indisposed Rachel Podger to lead the Academy Chamber Orchestra in Haydn's Symphony No 104. More information and tickets can be found here. Below, you can watch Barbara conducting the ensemble in Haydn's Symphony No 49 as part of a performance at the Academy in March 2024.
