Walking among the audience during the Prize ceremony, Negar Zarassi asked guests about Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, recipient of the Birgit Nilsson Prize 2025.
Susanne Rydén, President of the Birgit Nilsson Stiftelsen, shares her reflections on this year’s Laureate, the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, and the warm global response following the announcement.
Matilda Sterby reflects on her connection to Birgit Nilsson and what it meant to perform at a Prize ceremony honouring an artist whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
Peter Mattei reveals that he initially declined the invitation to perform at the Prize ceremony — but changed his mind the moment he learned who the Laureate was...
Pianist Lars Roos, who accompanied Birgit Nilsson for many years, shares treasured memories — including the remarkable fact that he only heard her make a single mistake in her entire career. An intimate glimpse into Birgit’s artistry.
✨Experience the essence of the Birgit Nilsson Prize 2025 Ceremony — an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, innovation and artistic vision in classical music and opera.
This year’s Laureate, the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, was honoured for its outstanding contribution to opera, its commitment to new commissions, and its remarkable ability to unite artists and audiences in bold, imaginative productions, including the acclaimed staging of Kaija Saariaho’s Innocence.
Throughout the ceremony, musical performances, personal reflections and backstage moments painted a vivid portrait of a community united by a deep passion for the performing arts.
From world-class soloists and orchestral brilliance to conversations with artists and audience members, this presents a glimpse into a truly memorable celebration.
In this exclusive interview, author Sofi Oksanen speaks about writing the libretto for Kaija Saariaho’s Innocence — a production by the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence that received special recognition in the Prize motivation.
The Birgit Nilsson Prize 2025 Ceremony came to a grand conclusion with the Finale from Wagner’s Tannhäuser.
The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Swedish Opera Chorus, and soloists Peter Mattei, Daniel Johansson and Matilda Sterby — all led by Susanna Mälkki — brought the evening to a powerful and uplifting close.
Peter Mattei returned to the stage later in the evening with an exquisite performance of the Romance from Wagner’s Tannhäuser.
With his unmistakable warmth, clarity and dramatic presence, he created one of the many unforgettable moments of the Prize Ceremony.
Watch the full Prize Ceremony here:
https://www.konserthuset.se/en/play/birgit-nilsson-prize/
Peter Mattei gave a charming performance of the Serenade from Mozart’s Don Giovanni, captivating the audience with his rich tone, expressive phrasing and commanding presence. Accompanied by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra under Susanna Mälkki, it was a truly unforgettable moment of the Prize Ceremony.
Watch the full Prize Ceremony here: https://www.konserthuset.se/en/play/birgit-nilsson-prize/
