The Swedish dramatic soprano, Nina Stemme, was the fourth recipient of the Birgit Nilsson Prize, awarded in the year which also celebrated the 100th anniversary of Birgit NIlsson’s birth. The Award ceremony took place October11, 2018 at the Royal Swedish Opera in the presence of H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf and H.M. Queen Silvia. In honour of the occasion, Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel performed scenes from The Flying Dutchman, Die Meistersinger and Falstaff with The Royal Swedish Orchestra under the direction of conductor Evan Rogister. The young Swedish soprano Christina Nilsson – recipient of the Birgit Nilsson Stipendium in 2015 – also sang three Scandinavian songs.
“Previously the Prize has been awarded to Plácido Domingo, Riccardo Muti and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, but it is marvelously fitting that in the year of Nilsson’s centenary, the laurel should pass to another Swedish woman who has brought such glory to her art and her profession”.
The Telegraph
“This is not only an award for Nina Stemme but also an award for the entire Swedish opera elite which has done such fantastic work over so many years. It is confirmation that Sweden is a world leader in opera.”
SVT, Swedish Television