Barbara Hannigan and Allison Cook perform the world premiere of Gerald Barry’s Alice’s Adventures Under Ground with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The performance takes place at the Walt Disney Concert Hall under the baton of Thomas Adès on 22 November.

Both artists then give the UK premiere with Britten Sinfonia at the Barbican, London on 28 November.

Singing the title role of Alice, Barbara holds a longstanding and special relationship with Gerald Barry having worked together on numerous projects such as The Importance of Being Earnest in 2012 and La Plus Forte next March 2017. 

Speaking to the Los Angles Times about the role of Alice and Gerald Barry’s music ahead of the premiere, Barbara Hannigan said: 

“I’m trying to give Alice a bit of a subversive quality. I chose an outfit that’s close to the character I’m trying to bring out in her. It’s definitely not Disney. My Alice isn’t trying to please anybody. She’s trying to figure out what’s going on and where she is. Just like all of us.”

“Gerald’s music always pushes beyond extremes. The speeds and relentless quality of his music are extraordinary. He doesn’t compromise.”

An esteemed interpreter of contemporary works including Adès’ Powder Her Face, Schoenberg’s Erwartung and Saariaho’s Emilie, Allison next travels to Barcelona for Francesconi’s Quartett at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.