Following a week of approximately 20 events, the grand finale of this year’s festival will be a concert performance of Richard Wagner’s powerful opera, The Flying Dutchman. On August 8, Båstad’s Tennis Stadium will be transformed into an open-air opera stage, with world-class soloists, the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra and a chorus of local singers from across Skåne, under the direction of Hungarian conductor, Henrik Nánási.
The Flying Dutchman, a tale of the sea, storms, and maritime legend, will be brought ashore for a unique open-air performance at the Tennis Stadium, right beside Sweden’s iconic Kattegatt. The sea is also this year’s festival theme and the focus of soprano Matilda Sterby’s recital program.
Honouring the legacy of the world-famous soprano, the Birgit Nilsson Festival 2026 brings together several of today’s most acclaimed singers. In addition to international stars such as Christopher Maltman, Matthias Goerne, Günther Groissböck and Stanislas de Barbeyrac, the festival also features leading Swedish artists including Elisabet Strid, Matilda Sterby, Martina Dike, Gisela Stille, Malena Ernman, Rickard Söderberg, Anders Lorentzson, Henning von Schulman, Richard Hamrin and Tobias Westman. In keeping with Birgit Nilsson’s vision, the festival also places special emphasis on supporting young, emerging artists.
Highlights of the Birgit Nilsson Festival 2026
An extraordinary musical celebration showcasing the festival’s artistic excellence:
· Master Class and closing student concert at Kulturhuset Ravinen led by baritone Matthias Goerne, widely regarded as one of the foremost opera and Lied singers of his generation. During the festival Goerne will also perform a solo recital.
· Stipendium Recital and Award Ceremony at Västra Karup Church featuring this year’s Birgit Nilsson scholarship recipient, Luthando Qave.
· Recital with soprano Matilda Sterby, recipient of the 2024 Birgit Nilsson Stipendium, who has swiftly risen to international acclaim.
· Opera Sing-Along Concert for the Whole Family with Rickard Söderberg and Malena Ernman. Both artists will also engage in an audience conversation as part of a week-long series of events at the Birgit Nilsson Museum.
The sing-along concert forms part of the Museum’s Family Day, which also includes The Little Dutchman—a specially adapted 40-minute version of Wagner’s opera for young audiences.
· Richard Hamrin, acclaimed for roles such as Klaus Nomi at the Royal Swedish Opera and most recently Billy Flynn in Chicago at Malmö Opera, presents a tribute to Zarah Leander, performing some of her most iconic songs.
· Exhibition at the Birgit Nilsson Museum: “A Wave of Success”
This year’s exhibition explores Birgit Nilsson’s remarkable career and international breakthroughs, highlighting milestone anniversaries: her first recording in 1936, her Royal Swedish Opera debut in 1946, and her U.S. debut in 1956.
Welcome to an opera celebration where world stars meet emerging talents, and audiences are invited to experience music at the highest artistic level.
Detailed programme – day by day
Press contact: Lucy Maxwell-Stewart +46 (0)70-38 80 255