| Summary: | The topic of this artistic research project is the musical performance method where a solo singer conducts an orchestra while singing. The aim is to shine a light on the effect this performance practice has on the quality of the performance; if it hampers the singer’s ability to interpret the lyrics and make theatrical gestures or if the musical performance can possibly benefit from having one person singing and conducting. The core of the project is a concert in Reykjavík organised by this author where she performed as solo soprano and conductor with a chamber orchestra. The research was made from her personal perspective, while the views of instrumentalists also played a significant role. The author observed the internationally renowned soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan as she rehearsed and performed a concert with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra (ISO) at the Reykjavík Arts Festival. For this project the writer enjoyed the cooperation of three composers whom she commissioned to write pieces especially for her to sing and conduct, and together with Zerbinetta's grand aria by Richard Strauss this music was premiered by her and a chamber orchestra at her concert in Eldborg, Harpa at the Reykjavík Opera Days on November 5th, 2022. Soprano takes the baton! In Eldborg, Harpa on November 5th, 2022 at the Reykjavík Opera Days festival finale. Ragnheiður Ingunn Jóhannsdóttir, soprano and conductor. Program: Jóhann G. Jóhannsson: Be not afeard – Concerto for Coloratura Soprano and Chamber Ensemble (2022), premiere Lyrics: William Shakespeare (Caliban’s Speech from The Tempest) I: Be not afeard - lyrics: William Shakespeare II: Ekkert að hræðast - translation: Helgi Hálfdanarson III: Var icke rädd - translation: Carl August Hagberg — Ingibjörg Ýr Skarphéðinsdóttir: Fasaskipti (2022), premiere Poem: Þórdís Helgadóttir — María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir: Djúpalón (2022), premiere Poem: Þóra Hjörleifsdóttir — Richard Strauss: Großmächtige Prinzessin (1912), Zerbinetta’s aria from Ariadne auf Naxos Lyrics: Hugo von ...
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