Application for
BIRGIT NILSSON MASTER CLASS 2023

with Anne Sofie von Otter, mezzo-soprano
at the Birgit Nilsson Concert Hall, Kulturhuset Ravinen, Sweden
5 – 10 August 2023 

Applications are now open for the 2023 Birgit Nilsson Masterclass led by internationally acclaimed Swedish mezzo-soprano, Anne Sofie von Otter, together with pianist Elisabeth Boström and repetiteur Jacob Lidåkra. The four day masterclass, which this year focuses on concert and lieder repertoire, concludes with a student concert on 10 August. Application closing date is 15 April.

Launched in 2014, the Birgit Nilsson Masterclass takes place on the Bjäre Peninsula –  in the idyllic Southen Swedish landscape where the legendary soprano grew up.  Only recently opened to international students, the course offers a unique opportunity for young singers to follow in Birgit Nilsson’s footsteps and to be part of the legacy she established for future generations.

The course commences on Saturday 5 August at 14.00 when the participants are welcomed at the Birgit Nilsson Museum for an inspiring start to the week’s teaching, including a visit to this year’s exhibition and a guided tour of the farm house, followed by dinner in the Stable Café at 18.00.

The week concludes with a high-profile public concert during the annual Birgit Nilsson Days celebrations, in which all participants perform.

Dates: 

5– 10 August (arrival after lunch on the 5th and guided tour of the museum).

Classes:  6-9 August

Rehearsal and closing concert on 10 August

Teachers: 

Sofie von Otter, mezzo-soprano

Elisabeth Boström, piano

Jacob Lidåkra, repetiteur

Application: 

Submit a short description of yourself, your CV, an audio/video link and

preliminary repertoire list to bnsallskapet@birgitnilsson.com  

The applications are processed on a rolling basis.

The repertoire list should include the following: 

Four songs by Schubert, three French songs, three songs in your native language and three additional lieder or concert arias. Please also take into account that different eras should be represented, preferably ranging from Purcell to the present day.

Deadline for applications:

Applications must be received by 15 April.  

Admission decisions will be announced on 1 May, when feedback on the proposed repertoire will also be given.

Target group: 

Professional singers and singers who have graduated from a music academy and/or opera academy. The group is limited to 8 participants. 

Course fee: 11.000 SEK

The course fee includes both breakfast and lunch and accommodation in a single room from 5 to 11 August at Apelrydsskolan, Båstad. Hostel standard with own toilet and shower.

Following notification of admission, 2 000 SEK must be paid by 15 May. This registration fee is non-refundable. 

The remaining course fee of 9.000 SEK must be paid by 15 June.

Addresslist to scholarship funds

Language: 

Teaching will be in Swedish and/or English as required.

The Master Class and concert may be recorded / streamed and will be documented on social media.

Audiences are welcome to attend from 6– 9 August between 11 and 16:30

This event is a collaboration between

the Birgit Nilsson Society and Birgit Nilsson Museum