Nyhet -
Barbara Hannigan and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in the world premiere of The White Book
The White Book is especially written for soprano Barbara Hannigan and its 5 movements feature 5 excerpts from the poetic novel by Han Kang. In 2024, Kang was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The 25-minute work is composed by the British composer Laura Bowler, also a singer herself, known for cross-border projects, often with the voice as the supporting instrument.
Barbara Hannigan:
"I have absolutely fallen in love with this new work by Laura Bowler. I cannot wait for the premiere performance in a week's time. It has been years in the making, and I have been involved with the project since 2021 when Laura first approached me with the proposal for this piece. It is a work about grief and grieving, about renewal and hope. It is a deep honour to be the voice for whom this work was written."
Sunday, January 18th will be the Swedish premiere of Barbara Hannigan's acclaimed chamber program with her dear friend and colleague, the esteemed Bertrand Chamayou. After highly acclaimed performances together throughout North America and Europe, most recently bring London's Wigmore Hall to a rare standing ovation, they are thrilled to bring the recital to Sweden.
The entire program is of spirituality and transcendence, first with Messiaen's Chants de terre et de ciel for soprano and piano, followed by two mystical solo piano works of Scriabin. The third aspect of the program is an extraordinary song cycle entitled Jumalattaret written by American composer and jazz musician John Zorn. The text is based on Finnish goddesses from the Kalevala mythology. Hannigan and Chamayou have left audiences breathtaken with this virtuosic performance.
On January 23 and 24, Bertrand Chamayou will play with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in Ravel's fantastic Piano Concerto in G major. A work imbued with jazz-influenced pulse, Basque folk tunes and games, and French elegance. Around the Ravel, we will get a sparkling musical mix, as always when the program is created by Barbara Hannigan – with exotic birds and tender lovers.
A world-class start to another magical music year in Gothenburg Concert Hall.
The White Book is a joint commission by Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra and Copenhagen Phil.
