“Taking Risks” – TV Premiere

On 18 May 2019 at 21:40, the Accentus film “Barbara Hannigan – Taking Risks” will premiere on 3sat (“Barbara Hannigan - Ein Opernstar auf neuen Wegen”)

Over the period of two years, Accentus Music followed Barbara Hannigan before and during her first opera production as a conductor, from recruiting the singer cast through a very personal selection process to the acclaimed premiere with the Gothenburg Symphony.

In December 2018, "the old soprano and young conductor," as she ironically describes herself for her two talents, has conducted her first opera: Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress”. Rather than recruiting the singer cast through agencies and general auditions, Barbara Hannigan insisted to find the entire cast of soloists using an alternative three-stage selection process and to accompany the soloists throughout the entire rehearsal process with significant personal commitment.

"I have never received a role through an audition," admits Barbara Hannigan. The fact that she is today one of the most famous voices of the classical world shows that getting roles can be done differently. And the Canadian does almost everything differently.

A film about passion and the love for music, about fears and loneliness, failure and success. And at the same time a very unusual, personal portrait of Barbara Hannigan. Tune in on 18 May at 21:40 on 3sat!

Accentus Music has also filmed the full opera performance, which is also available for distribution. For more information please contact Christin Linße (c.linsse@accentus.com).

Barbara Hannigan – Taking Risks
A film by Maria Stodtmeier
58'

A production of Accentus Music in co-production with ZDF and Göteborgs Symfoniker, in co-operation with 3sat and SVT, and supported by Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung.

English title Barbara Hannigan - Taking Risks
Original title Barbara Hannigan - ein Opernstar auf neuen Wegen
Production Company Accentus Music GmbH
Co-Production Company ZDF
Co-Production Company Göteborgs Symfoniker
Assoc. Prod. Company 3sat
Executive Producer Paul Smaczny
Director Maria Stodtmeier
Director of Photography Michael Boomers
Sound Engineer Christoph Wonneberger
Duration 58 minutes