Canadian soprano, conductor Barbara Hannigan among recipients of Polar Prize
Barbara Hannigan, a renowned soprano and conductor hailing from Nova Scotia, was recently honored as one of the recipients of music’s prestigious Polar Prize. Alongside music legends Herbie Hancock and Queen, Hannigan was recognized for her exceptional talent in pushing boundaries and expanding the horizons of listeners through her artistic choices.
The Polar Prize committee, based in Sweden, lauded Hannigan for her remarkable musicality and courage, positioning her as one of the leading interpreters of contemporary classical music globally. This recognition comes as a culmination of Hannigan’s journey, which began around 15 years ago when she ventured into conducting, alongside her established career as a soprano.
In a 2019 interview with CBC’s Q, Hannigan reflected on her unexpected trajectory into conducting, noting that she initially took on a few gigs in 2011 to explore this new dimension of her musical expression. The Polar Prize, established in 1989 by ABBA’s late manager Stig Anderson, has a rich history of honoring diverse musical talents, including past recipients like Paul McCartney, Metallica, Yo-Yo Ma, and Ravi Shankar.
At 53, Hannigan now joins the ranks of esteemed vocalists such as Cecilia Bartoli and Renée Fleming as a Polar laureate, only the second Canadian to receive this honor after Joni Mitchell in 1996. Drawing inspiration from Mitchell’s versatility, Hannigan commended the singer-songwriter for her fearless approach to using her voice in a way that transcended conventional norms.
Hannigan’s accolades extend beyond the Polar Prize, with her Grammy-winning album “Crazy Girl Crazy” in 2018 and Juno-winning releases like “Vienna: Fin de Siècle” showcasing her musical prowess. Additionally, her contributions to the music industry were recognized in 2016 when she was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada.
Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of congratulations, Hannigan eagerly anticipates the upcoming ceremony in Stockholm on May 27. The Polar Prize committee, which considers public nominations and recommendations from the International Music Council, awards a prize of one million Swedish krona to each laureate.
In addition to Hannigan, the Polar Prize also honored Queen for their distinctive sound that remains unparalleled in the music industry. The iconic band, known for hits like “We Are the Champions” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” expressed deep gratitude for this prestigious recognition.
Furthermore, jazz legend Herbie Hancock, celebrated as a “jazz scientist” by the committee, was acknowledged for his profound influence on various music genres, including R&B, funk, and hip-hop. With a career spanning over six decades and 14 Grammy awards to his name, Hancock’s impact on the music landscape is undeniable.
As these three musical luminaries bask in the glory of the Polar Prize, their contributions to the art form continue to inspire and shape the future of music on a global scale.
