Q

Barbara Hannigan on her early career and mentoring young classical artists

Nova Scotian soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan tells us what shaped her into the musician she's become and why she's so keen to mentor young artists.

Barbara Hannigan is up for a Juno this year for her latest album Vienna: Fin de Siècle​, which she made with her mentor, Dutch pianist Reinbert de Leeuw. The nomination is just one of numerous accolades the soprano and conductor has received during her music career, which also includes a Grammy, a Juno and the prestigious Léonie Sonning Music Prize.

Despite her success, Hannigan knows how hard it is to make it in the music business. She's experienced her own struggles with stage fright and anxiety and has just recently launched a mentoring programme for young artists who are getting their start in the classical world. 

Barbara Hannigan with host Tom Power in the q studio in Toronto, Ont. (Ben Edwards/CBC)

Ahead of her performances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra tonight and tomorrow night, Hannigan joined Tom Power in the q studio to reflect on what shaped her into the artist she is now and what she hopes she can pass on.

Produced by Ben Edwards

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