On Friday evening (August 8) soprano Karolina Bengtsson received this year’s Birgit Nilsson Scholarship when she performed to a full house at Västra Karup church. Following her recital, Karolina received the diploma and scholarship – worth SEK 250,000 (c. 26 000 US$) – from the chairman of the jury, Bengt Hall.
Together with pianist Magnus Svensson, Karolina performed a broad and varied programme that culminated in Ophelia’s aria from Ambroise Thomas’ opera “Hamlet”, followed by the encore “I Could Have Danced All Night”, which was rapturously received by the audience.
Hamlet was premiered in Paris with one of the leading singers of the 1800s, Kristina Nilsson, who, like Karolina, comes from Växjö.
Jury motivation: “With her beautiful silvery voice, versatility and natural musicality, Karolina Bengtsson has embarked on a brilliant operatic career, where she impresses with her solid technique, insightful interpretations and magnetic stage presence. Karolina combines her outstanding musical potential with a determination and discipline that promise continued artistic development and future artistic success.”