Barbara Hannigan extends contract with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra

Canadian conductor and soprano Barbara Hannigan has today announced the extension of her contract with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra (GSO). She will remain in the role of principal guest conductor until summer 2025. 

Hannigan took the role in 2019 after giving her first performance with the orchestra as both conductor and soloist in 2013. He also spent the 2015/16 season as the orchestra's artist in residence. In her time with the GSO Hannigan has given the world premieres of more than 85 new works.

GSO’s head of planning, Arna Einarsdóttir, commented: ‘[Hannigan] is a source of great inspiration for both audiences and orchestras, always exploring new ways of performing classical music. There seems to be no limits to her creativity and amazing artistry.’

Hannigan’s next performance with the GSO will be the solo opera La Voix Humaine by Francis Poulenc (28-29 September). As well as conducting the GSO, Hannigan will play the role of Elle, the opera’s only character.

Hannigan said: ‘It has been a wonderful experience these past years to work with GSO - the musicians, the administrative and artistic leadership teams, and the backstage crew, on all kinds of projects. We have so many interesting projects and are continuing to explore new possibilities.’

In addition to her role with the Swedish orchestra, Hannigan was also announced as the London Symphony Orchestra’s first ever associate artist earlier this year, with a three-year tenure allowing her to contribute to the orchestra’s programming. Hannigan is also première artiste invitée of Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.