The Royal Academy of Music is delighted to announce that the esteemed soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan will be assuming the position of Reinbert de Leeuw Professor of Music. In this esteemed visiting role, Barbara will be responsible for leading ensembles, providing guidance to singers, and offering valuable advice to students on strategies to enhance their performances.

The professorship is named after Reinbert De Leeuw, a cherished mentor and colleague to Barbara, who sadly passed away in 2020. Reinbert De Leeuw was highly respected at the Academy and engaged in notable projects, such as a joint concert with the London Sinfonietta in 2002 as part of the Academy's composer festivals, focused on György Kurtág.

Barbara Hannigan is an exceptional artist renowned for her dedication to contemporary music. She has premiered more than 85 new works, collaborating extensively with renowned composers like György Ligeti, Henri Dutilleux, Gerald Barry, John Zorn, George Benjamin, and Hans Abrahamsen. Apart from her successful recording career, which includes a Grammy award, Barbara continues to grace the world's most prestigious stages as both a singer and conductor. She has worked with leading orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Munich Philharmonic, and Gothenburg Symphony, where she holds the position of principal guest conductor. This appointment further solidifies Barbara's role as a mentor, shaping the future generation of artists.

Jonathan Freeman-Attwood CBE, the Principal of the Academy, expressed his excitement, stating that Barbara's recent collaborations with The Juilliard School, where she served as a Creative Associate, have greatly inspired and encouraged students. These experiences have opened up new artistic possibilities and empowered students to deliver bold and innovative performances.