A new multimedia production titled *La Mer* premiered on October 9 at the Nieuwe Luxor Theater in Rotterdam, showcasing an innovative fusion of music, dance, and environmental themes. The performance focuses on ocean pollution and is presented by Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, with plans to tour throughout the Netherlands and Spain. Although the tour will proceed without the composer and live orchestra, the Rotterdam opening featured Canadian soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan in a multifaceted role.

Hannigan, 55, appears onstage initially as a silent observer before descending into the orchestra pit to conduct the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in Debussy’s *La Mer* and *Sirènes*. She then transitions back onto the stage, where she sings and dances alongside the performers for the remainder of the show. Beyond these duties, Hannigan also serves as the production’s music director.

Primarily known as a soprano and increasingly prominent conductor, Hannigan’s engagement in *La Mer* expands her multidisciplinary profile. Though she began conducting only at age 40, she has rapidly built a notable career and recently assumed the role of chief conductor and artistic director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. This production marks a further step as she integrates physically demanding choreography while maintaining high vocal performance, a challenge she acknowledges required extensive preparation.

The choreography for *La Mer* is created by Nanine Linning, who has directed five operas and brings her experience to this mixture of dance and music. Linning describes Hannigan as an ideal collaborator who embraces the physicality of the choreography and allows it to influence her singing. The narrative unfolds through Hannigan’s portrayal of a goddess-like figure who mourns the state of the oceans but ultimately leads toward transformation and hope, addressing humanity’s complex relationship with the natural world.

The final section of the score features electronic music by Cypriot composer Yannis Kyriakides, who studied alongside Hannigan in The Hague. Their collaboration is notable for its flexibility, with adaptations made to pitch and tempo during rehearsals to suit Hannigan’s performance style.

Hannigan’s career is distinguished by her extensive work in contemporary music, having premiered more than 130 modern compositions. She cites her upbringing in rural Nova Scotia, where access to a wider musical landscape was limited, as both a challenge and an influence in her artistic development.

Reflecting on her dual role as conductor and singer, Hannigan emphasizes the psychological demands of the podium and the importance of authenticity in leadership. Her work in Iceland demonstrates her commitment to programming contemporary music alongside traditional repertoire and continuing to explore the intersection of conducting and singing.

While *La Mer* represents a significant integration of movement and vocal performance, Hannigan has noted that dancing regularly in her conducting career remains an area she may approach cautiously. Nonetheless, the production showcases her ability to bridge multiple disciplines in pursuit of artistic and thematic excellence.