Oh, look! We’ve got a delightful pairing coming to Montreal! Barbara Hannigan, the soprano who could probably sing the phone book and make it sound like a love letter, is teaming up with Bertrand Chamayou, the pianist who’s been on more prestigious stages than a politician trying to win votes! Quite the dynamic duo we have here, folks.
Now, it’s been seven years since Hannigan graced North America with her vocal gymnastics. Seven years! That’s practically an eternity in music! To put that into perspective, that’s longer than it takes for most of us to figure out how to set a timer on the microwave—"Where’s the ‘start’ button?!"
Last December, music lovers in Montreal were treated to her incredible interpretations, including works that sounded so deep they could’ve been the soundtrack to a Raymond Carver novel—dark, thoughtful, and with just enough existential dread to keep you pondering over your morning coffee. Then, just this past February, she blew everyone away while simultaneously singing and directing Poulenc’s La Voix humaine. Honestly, she must have a few extra arms hidden under that elegant dress; there’s no way a single human can juggle that!
And now, she’s coming back to Montreal’s Salle Bourgie, and let’s not forget to mention Bertrand Chamayou who, judging by his résumé, has played on stages from Paris to, well… apparently anywhere they’ve got a grand piano. He’s like the superstar of French music!
Speaking of which, the theme of their current tour is mysticism and meditation. I mean, I thought my last trip to IKEA was spiritual when I saw a plant trending in the garden section, but this sounds next level—like the kind of experience that could make your chakras align faster than you can say, “Can I get another cup of herbal tea, please?”
They’re trying to take us on a spiritual path that meanders through Messiaen, Scriabin, and Zorn. It’s like musical yoga! In fact, if we’re not careful, we might just find enlightenment mid-performance, and forget to applaud at the end—“Sorry, my third eye was busy conjuring up the divine flow!”
The program features the heavenly Songs of Earth and Sky by Messiaen, which celebrates life and family. I mean, talk about a safer topic than trying to figure out what to get your in-laws for Christmas! Then we dive into Scriabin’s pieces that’ll have you feeling like you’re wandering in the midst of a dream—don’t forget to take notes on that dreamlike state so you can tell your therapist!
And just when your mind is trying to zen out, Hannigan and Chamayou will hit us with the pièce de résistance—Zorn’s Goddesses, a piece inspired by Finnish mythology! I don’t know about you, but when my brain hears “goddesses,” I suddenly feel inadequate in every aspect of my life. “Do I even know how to make soup?” But fear not, because we can wallow in our musical journey together!
Of course, before the main event, they’ll be offering master classes on their instruments. I mean, can you imagine? You could learn from a Grammy Award winner and one of the top pianists in the world. That’s like going to a cooking class taught by Gordon Ramsay—just don’t expect him to tell you gently that your soufflé resembles a deflated balloon!
So, if you’re in Montreal, mark your calendars for November 26th! Get your tickets before they vanish faster than your willpower at a chocolate buffet. This is your chance to transcend the mundane and dive headfirst into some serious musical mysticism! It’s going to be one for the books—just don’t forget to breathe. I mean, it might get intense out there!
Canadian soprano Barbara Hannigan and French pianist Bertrand Chamayou are embarking on a highly anticipated recital tour that will make a stop in Montreal on November 26. This marks Barbara Hannigan’s first North American recital tour in seven years, making it a significant event for both her and her fans.
The renowned soprano is celebrated for her captivating and dramatic interpretations, which Montreal audiences have had the privilege of experiencing on two separate occasions. In December 2022, the Nova Scotian artist delivered an unforgettable performance of Luciano Berio’s solo movement Djamila Boupacha and the evocative piece Lonely Child by Claude Vivier, accompanied by the esteemed Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM). Her prowess was further showcased last February when she performed and directed Poulenc’s poignant monodrama The Human Voice in a mesmerizing dual-role presentation.
Now, in a captivating recital format at the esteemed Salle Bourgie, Hannigan returns to Montreal to collaborate with the talented pianist Bertrand Chamayou. The duo has graced stages across Europe with this same program, and they have also recently released a celebrated album entitled Messiaen under the Alpha Classics label, adding to their impressive discography.
The artists
Barbara Hannigan
Originating from Nova Scotia, Barbara Hannigan began her musical journey in her home province before advancing her studies at the University of Toronto, where she completed both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. She then enhanced her skills at the prestigious Banff Centre and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, solidifying her foundation as a world-class artist.
Hannigan has built an illustrious vocal career renowned for her distinctive artistry, and she has seamlessly integrated conducting into her repertoire, often directing while performing. She gained widespread acclaim for her outstanding portrayal in Mysteries of the Macabre by György Ligeti in 2011, which remains a hallmark of her career.
In addition to her renowned solo career, Hannigan is actively engaged as a conductor, and her commitments reflect her esteemed status in the classical music world, including:
- Principal Guest Conductor of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra (since 2019);
- First guest artist of the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra (since 2022);
- Associate artist of the London Symphony Orchestra (since 2022);
- Principal Guest Conductor of the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra (from 2024/25);
- Principal conductor and artistic director of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra (from August 2026);
- Professor Reinbert de Leeuw at the Royal Academy of Music in London (since 2023).
Bertrand Chamayou
A highly regarded interpreter of French music, pianist Bertrand Chamayou has graced the world’s most iconic stages, including Wigmore Hall, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Elbphilharmonie, Berlin Philharmonie, and Concertgebouw Amsterdam. His collaborations with esteemed ensembles like the New York Philharmonic, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and Staatskapelle Berlin showcase his global reach and significant impact in the classical music realm.
Since 2021, Chamayou has been serving as co-artistic director of the Festival Ravel, which celebrates the timeless works of the French composer in the breathtaking Basque Country, reaffirming his commitment to promoting classical music.
The program
As a Grammy Award-winning artist, Barbara Hannigan is celebrated for her inventive and original concert programs. The thematic focus of her current tour is rooted in mysticism and meditation, promising an evening of profound musical exploration.
“This unique recital takes us on a spiritual path, from Messiaen’s youthful and uplifting songs praising heaven and earth, through the deep mysticism of Scriabin, culminating with the epic virtuosity of John Zorn’s Jumalattaret, a work inspired by the Finnish Kalevala goddesses. For Bertrand and I, performing this transcendent music is a true journey, and we love taking our audience with us on this journey,” she expressed in a press release.
The concert program will feature:
- Olivier Messiaen: Songs of Earth and Sky
- Alexander Scriabin: Nocturnal Poem Op. 61
- Alexander Scriabin: Towards the Flame Op. 72
- John Zorn: Goddesses
Olivier Messiaen’s song cycle serves as a personal meditation, reflecting the joy his faith and family life provide. Musically, this work is a vibrant interplay of intricate rhythms and rich harmonies, showcasing the composer’s extraordinary palette.
Bertrand Chamayou will perform two captivating solo piano pieces by Alexander Scriabin, delving into ethereal themes. Nocturnal Poem conjures images of the liminal space between sleep and wakefulness, while Towards the Flame encompasses the dynamic essence of fire in its various manifestations. The profound mysticism of Scriabin’s works stands in contrast to the youthful spirituality encapsulated in Messiaen’s compositions.
The concert will conclude with the dazzling and demanding Goddesses, composed by John Zorn, which Hannigan premiered in 2018. This piece demands exceptional technical skill, drawing its inspiration from Finnish mythology as evoked in the national epic poem Kalevala.
La Salle Bourgie encourages early booking, as limited tickets remain available for this extraordinary recital. The day prior to the concert, both artists will conduct master classes: Bertrand Chamayou’s session will commence at 10 a.m., followed by Barbara Hannigan’s master class at 2 p.m.
NOVEMBER 26, 7:30 P.M., SALLE BOURGIE DETAILS AND TICKETS
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Anya Wassenberg is a Toronto City Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an experienced freelance writer, blogger and writing instructor.
