The world-famous Swedish soprano and court singer Nina Stemme has been named an honorary member of the Wiener Staatsoper, “Ehrenmitglied der Wiener Staatsoper”, a unique distinction. The only Swede who has previously been awarded membership in this exclusive society dating back to 1880 is Birgit Nilsson, who was inducted in 1968.
In 2018, Nina Stemme was awarded The Birgit Nilsson Prize. In great demand worldwide she is a frequent guest at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, Wiener Staatsoper, Opera Bastille in Paris and the Royal Opera Houses in London and Stockholm, to name just a few. As a dramatic soprano, Stemme has continued the great Scandinavian tradition of Kirsten Flagstad and Birgit Nilsson. She has been celebrated for her roles as Wagner’s Isolde, Brünnhilde and Kundry, Strauss’ Salome and Elektra, as well as Puccini’s Turandot and La Fanciulla.
“It is with great joy, humility and not a little pride that I accept this incredible honor. During these 20 years at the Wiener Staatsoper, I learned an enormous amount and also found an artistic home,” said Nina Stemme.
Nina Stemme received the honorary award and the special Ehrenmitglied ring from the director of the opera house Bogdan Roščić at a ceremony after the performance of Wagner’s Lohengrin, where Nina Stemme sang the role of Ortrud.