2011 Birgit Nilsson Prize awarded to
Maestro Riccardo Muti

Maestro Riccardo Muti was awarded the 2011 Birgit Nilsson Prize by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at a festive ceremony of celebration and musical inspiration held at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm on Thursday evening, October 13. This Prize of one million dollars, established by Birgit Nilsson herself, is the most generous prize in the world of classical music.


Watch the full 2011 Award Ceremony – including an exclusive interview with the Maestro




More highlights of the Award Ceremony
 

Life size statue of Birgit Nilsson will be unveiled in Båstad, Sweden

On May 17 2013 a life size statue of the internationally renowned soprano Birgit Nilsson will be unveiled in Båstad, Sweden. Birgit Nilsson was born in this South Swedish community exactly ninety five years ago. The Birgit Nilsson Museum is in Svenstad near Båstad.

The unique statue, commissioned by the City of Båstad, is from the esteemed Swedish artist couple Ulla and Gustav Kraitz who also created the sculpture for the Birgit Nilsson Prize.

For more information, click here

Birgit Nilsson on the new Swedish 500 Kronor note

Sweden will soon introduce new banknotes and coins. And the new 500 Kronor banknote will display a portrait of Birgit Nilsson. The Swedish National Bank had launched a design competition for the banknotes. The winning entry is entitled "Cultural Journey", designed by graphic designer Goran Österlund. According to the Swedish National Bank, the new note will probably be introduced in 2015. For more information, click here

The Award Ceremony 2011

Watch the highlights

Birgit Nilsson Photo Exhibition

In celebration of the 2011 Birgit Nilsson Prize, a photo exhibition is now on display in the lobby of the Royal Swedish Opera. The exhibition comprises photographs of the various roles that Birgit Nilsson performed at the Royal Opera in Stockholm during her celebrated career. The pictures portray the many faces of Birgit Nilsson – starting with La Nilsson in the role of Lady MacBeth in 1947 to the last role she sang at the Royal Opera, Brünnhilde, in 1981.

The exhibition runs until the 31st of October, and is open to all visitors attending a performance at the Royal Opera. The doors open two hours before the beginning of the respective performance.

Slideshow of the exhibition

Birgit Nilsson on new Swedish banknote

Photo:
Sara Krulwich/Scanpix
Sweden will soon introduce new banknotes and coins. And it has been decided that the new 500 Kronor banknote will display a portrait of Birgit Nilsson. The Swedish National Bank launched a design competition for all banknotes, and the new designs will be introduced in 2014/2015. For more information, go to www.riksbank.se

Experience La Nilsson

Watch Birgit Nilsson taking the spotlight in the following selection of Youtube videos.
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