Birgit Nilsson Prize – tribute concert to this year's laureate

The Birgit Nilsson Prize is the classical music world’s most prestigious award. It is presented to a singer, musician or institution that has made significant contributions and left a major international mark within classical music. This year, the Prize honours the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence for its outstanding artistic achievements, with special recognition given to the 2021 world premiere of Kaija Saariaho’s opera Innocence.

The esteemed French opera festival, currently preparing its 77th edition, becomes the first festival ever to receive the Birgit Nilsson Prize. The award is presented this evening at Konserthuset by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf. The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and vocal soloists Matilda Sterby, Peter Mattei and Daniel Johansson, conducted by Susanna Mälkki, perform music by, among others, Kaija Saariaho, Wagner and Mozart.

In addition to recognising outstanding achievement, the Prize also highlights the importance of passion and dedication in the world of music. Awarded approximately every three years, the Prize serves as an inspiration to younger musicians at the start of their careers. Previous recipients include Nina Stemme, the Vienna Philharmonic, conductor Riccardo Muti, and most recently, in 2022, cellist Yo-Yo Ma.