Birgit Nilsson lived on the farm in Svenstad with her parents until she was 23 years old. It was a simple upbringing without electricity or running water and the first amenities were not installed until the 1930s. Birgit helped with all the chores on the farm. She thinned beets, planted potatoes, harvested hay and milked cows. In other words, it was a life far removed from what she would later experience as one of the world’s most famous opera singers.…
Sweden's newest international star - soprano Christina Nilsson - will sing Verdi's Aida at Båstad's Tennis Stadium, as the finale of the Birgit Nilsson Festival 2025. She recently made her New York debut performing Aida to standing ovations and acclaim from the press and audience at the Metropolitan Opera - perhaps the most prestigious opera house in the world. In Båstad, Christina replaces the Lebanese-Canadian soprano Joyce El-Khoury. With acclaimed performances three years running at the Birgit Nilsson Days, El-Khoury…
Opera on Sweden’s famous Tennis Centre Court in Båstad, a special exhibition, concerts and talks at the Birgit Nilsson Museum, the Stipendium Recital in “Birgit’s Church” at Västra Karup, a public masterclass at Ravinen Cultural Centre, plus screenings of historic performances and tv appearances at the local Scala Cinema. The 2025 Birgit Nilsson Festival presents more than 20 events between 3 & 9 August. “With this year‘s Festival we are aiming higher than ever before. It will be a programme…
Birgit Nilsson (1918-2005) was one of the greatest opera singers of the twentieth century. Her superb voice and supreme stage presence were praised by critics and audiences alike, bringing her international recognition as the world’s leading dramatic soprano and a legendary interpreter of especially Wagner, Strauss and Puccini. Birgit Nilsson made her operatic debut at the Swedish Royal Opera in 1946 and achieved international stardom in the mid 1950’s with her debuts in Vienna, Bayreuth, Buenos Aires, San Francisco and Chicago. She added a…
Four international world stars are on their way to the centre court in Båstad. This time it's not about tennis - but opera! On Saturday 10 August, one of the most beloved of operas will be performed - Giuseppe Verdi's Un ballo in maschera. A story about love, infidelity, betrayal and power directed by Staffan Valdemar Holm. It all takes place at the Tennis Stadium, with top Swedish singers, the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra and a choir conducted by Pier Giorgio Morandi…
From the end of September/beginning of October, pianist Elisabeth Boström will assume the position of CEO of the Birgit Nilsson Museum in Svenstad on the Bjäre Peninsula. Elisabeth takes over from Gitte Lindström Harmark, who is retiring as CEO of the museum on the farm where Birgit Nilsson grew up and frequently returned to. "I am delighted to be entrusted with the task of developing the fantastic work already carried out at the museum. The fact that Birgit was a…
A summer festival celebrating Birgit Nilsson ́s legacy at her home in South Sweden ”Nilsson's legacy is nowhere as tangible and alive as here: not as a transfiguration of the past, but as a promise for the future of opera.”Concerti Magazine, Germany The 2024 Birgit Nilsson Days take place from 4 – 10 August at the legendary singer’s home on the Bjäre Peninsula. Supported by the Birgit Nilsson Museum and the Foundation which also curates the Prize in her name, the week-long…
Verdi's opera Un ballo in maschera will be presented next summer in a concert performance, led by conductor Pier Giorgio Morandi and director Staffan Valdemar Holm. The performance concludes the 2024 Birgit Nilsson Days which will take place from 4-10 August on Sweden’s Bjäre Peninsula. Next summer marks 60 years since Birgit Nilsson made an acclaimed appearance at Båstad's tennis stadium - and as the role of Amelia in Un ballo in maschera was one of her absolute favorites -…
A week of musical celebrations on the Bjäre Peninsula, southern Sweden, in the beautiful surroundings of Birgit Nilsson’s home “Tosca in Concert” – open air performance in the grounds of the Birgit Nilsson Museum featuring Joyce El-Khoury, Michael Fabiano and John Lundgren Master Class and student concert led by Anne Sofie von Otter 50th anniversary of the Birgit Nilsson Stipendium From 6 – 12 August the Birgit Nilsson Days take place for the 6th consecutive year, opening with a public…
The 2023 Birgit Nilsson Days will culminate in a gala performance of "Tosca in concert" at the Birgit Nilsson Museum on 12 August. The weeklong programme opens with a Master Class and concert, both presented publically at Ravinen cultural centre in Båstad, followed by the 2023 Birgit Nilsson Stipendium laureate recital at Västra Karup Church. The large outdoor performance of "Tosca in Concert" - on Birgit's field - features international star soloists such as Joyce El-Khoury, Michael Fabiano and court…
