The Premiere of Laura Bowler's *The White Book*: A Personal and Musical Journey

On March 2, 2026, Canadian soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan premiered British composer Laura Bowler's new work, *The White Book*, with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in Gothenburg, Sweden. This performance marked a significant moment in contemporary classical music, intertwining personal narrative with artistic expression.

The Guardian

*The White Book* is based on five chapters from Han Kang's autobiographical text, which reflects on themes of loss and memory through a series of white objects. Bowler's connection to the text is deeply personal; she first encountered it while caring for her mother during her battle with acute myeloid leukaemia. Tragically, after her mother's recovery, Bowler faced another loss when her mother died in an accident shortly thereafter. This dual experience of life and death profoundly influenced Bowler's composition, which she describes as capturing "the ache of longing and also the ache of life and the ache of what death is."

The Guardian

Hannigan and Bowler's collaboration was facilitated by opera director Katie Mitchell. Bowler expressed her admiration for Hannigan, stating, “I’ve listened to Barbara forever,” and emphasized the importance of Hannigan's intense engagement during the premiere. Hannigan, who has premiered around 100 works, noted that she felt unusually calm for this performance, attributing her confidence to the compatibility of Bowler's score with her vocal abilities.

The Guardian

During the rehearsal process, Hannigan demonstrated a commitment to embodying Bowler's vision, describing the performance as a "ritual" rather than a mere execution of notes. She highlighted the technical demands of the piece, which required her to navigate complex tonal shifts and dynamic contrasts. Bowler's orchestration, characterized by intricate details and a haunting sense of space, complemented Hannigan's vocal delivery.

The Guardian

Bowler attended the premiere as an audience member, finding the experience overwhelming yet beautiful. She reflected on the cathartic nature of composing *The White Book*, stating it brought her peace, knowing her mother would have loved the piece. This emotional connection underscores the work's significance, not only as a musical composition but as a tribute to personal loss.

The Guardian

As of August 2026, Hannigan will assume the role of chief conductor and artistic director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra while continuing her work with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. Despite her expanding responsibilities, she maintains a robust performance schedule, emphasizing her commitment to both conducting and singing.

The Guardian

• “It’s a ritual.” — Barbara Hannigan, Soprano and Conductor

The Guardian

• “It’s brought me an element of peace that my mum would have just loved it. She came to everything and was unbelievably supportive. Since she passed, I’ve found it very difficult to find joy when my pieces have premiered. But there’s something about this piece – it feels like she’s there.” — Laura Bowler, Composer

The Guardian

• “I was just super-calm. Because what Laura wrote for me fitted like a glove.” — Barbara Hannigan, reflecting on the premiere

The Guardian

• “Composer Academy is a place for emerging composers to develop their craft, benefit from world-class teaching and speakers, and to take risks in a supportive workshop environment,” — Laura Bowler, regarding her new role at Cheltenham Music Festival

Cheltenham Music Festival names director for ‘springboard’ composer scheme

The premiere of *The White Book* not only showcases the talents of Barbara Hannigan and Laura Bowler but also serves as a poignant exploration of grief and memory through the lens of contemporary music.

The Guardian