Member of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2016-05-12
Invested on: 2026-06-05
Barbara Hannigan, C.M.
Waverley, Nova Scotia and Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Soprano Barbara Hannigan is at the vanguard of contemporary opera. Known for pushing boundaries and exploring new territory in her genre, she has delivered the world premieres of more than 80 compositions written specifically for her voice. Her fearless performances on the opera and concert stages have earned her international recognition and acclaim. In 2011, she made her conducting debut as one of the few performers in the world to sing and conduct simultaneously.