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 with culture at its heart, ringing out both musically and in glasses across Sweden – with the launch of a new wine in honour of Birgit Nilsson, produced by the local Bjäre Peninsula’s award winning vinyard Thora Vingård,” reveals Bengt Hall, Festival Artistic Director and Board Member of the Birgit Nilsson Foundation.
At the Birgit Nilsson Museum in the village of Svenstad visitors can experience a new exhibition. “Home” explores the legendary Soprano’s lifelong relationship with the landscape and community which influenced her throughout her life.
“Throughout the week we will also present an exciting array of concerts at the museum – ranging from Wagner to Ulla Billqvist, two of Birgit’s favourite and very different composers,“ said the museum’s CEO Elisabeth Boström who added “there will also be dramatic opera virtuosically transcribed for piano by Franz Liszt, an opera sing-along in the courtyard for the whole family and a programme of daily talks with guests who have a special connection to Birgit and the world of opera.”
On 17 May – Birgit’s birthday – the recipient of this year’s Birgit Nilsson Stpendium will be announced in Svenstad, coinciding with the museum’s season opening. The laureate will return in August to receive the award and perform in the church at Västra Karup, where Birgit performed throughout her life. Previous recipiens of the scholarship include Nina Stemme, Malin Byström, Gitta-Maria Sjöberg and Hillevi Martinpelto.
Giuseppe Verdi’s dramatic opera Aida features international and Swedish star singers. Pier Giorgio Morandi, one of the world’s foremost Verdi specialists, leads the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra, soloists and a choir of around 100 local singers from across Skåne who, together with dancers (!), take their place on a specially built stage on Båstad’s famous tennis center court, for a major outdoor performance.
Leading the cast are Joyce El-Khoury (Aida) and Fredrik Zetterström (Amonasro), both of whom have previously made acclaimed appearances in these roles, as well as Martin Muehle (Radamès, coming to us directly from Verona where he performs the same role) and Elisabeth DeShong (Amneris). The production also features eight dancers choreographed by Joakim Stephenson. The stage direction is by Staffan Valdemar Holm.
During the week, Båstad’s Scala Cinema will show historic Birgit performances and tv appearances – including some real rarities from the Swedish TV archives.
This summer, you can meet the concert and opera stars of tomorrow at the Ravinen Cultural Centre in Norrviken. Internationally acclaimed Swedish soprano Camilla Tilling leads this year’s Birgit Nilsson Master Class, presented for the tenth consecutive year. She is joined by pianists Annika Bjelk and Jacob Lidåkra. New to the course this year is stage presentation, led by director Katarina Sörenson. Following four days of public masterclasses the students perform in concert in the Birgit Nilsson Hall.
– ‘What could be better and more enriching than musical encounters on the beautiful Bjäre Peninsula,’ summarises Camilla Tilling.
The Birgit Nilsson Festival is arranged by the Birgit Nilsson Foundation in collaboration with the Birgit Nilsson Museum, Birgit Nilsson Society of Friends & S&E Destination Development Backahill.
Three unique festival experiences in the spirit of Birgit Nilsson
Exhibition at Ravinen: An exhibition about the Birgit Nilsson Prize – the world’s largest classical music Prize – is presented at the Ravinen Cultural Centre. Visitors can re-live the atmosphere of the prestigious award ceremonies and find out more about Birgit Nilsson’s journey from the Bjäre Peninsula to the world’s major opera stages.
Scala cinema: The festival week also offers the chance to discover Birgit Nilsson’s rich artistry through filmed opera performances and documentaries at the Scala cinema in Båstad. Whether you are an ardent opera lover or curious to learn more about one of Sweden’s greatest stars, this is an opportunity to get closer to her through the world of film.
Birgit Nilsson wine: In collaboration with Thora Vingård, the first Birgit Nilsson wine is being launched, sourced in the heart of Bjäre, near her childhood home. The wine is a tribute to the soul of the region, combining tradition and craftsmanship to create a flavour experience in the same spirit that Birgit Nilsson brought her voice to the world.