2025 BIRGIT NILSSON PRIZE
We are very touched as we announce that the 2025 Birgit Nilsson Prize has been awarded to the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, making it the first cultural institution ever to receive this distinction.
The Birgit Nilsson Prize, the most prestigious award in the world of classical music, has been granted to us “in recognition of the Festival’s exceptional artistic achievement and its commitment to developing and commissioning new opera productions,” according to the Birgit Nilsson Foundation.
This prize is an immense honor and marks a significant milestone in the Festival’s history. It rewards an ambitious artistic vision and a steadfast commitment to creation and excellence.
We receive this distinction with a particular thought for Pierre Audi, our recently departed General Director. Pierre had been informed of this amazing news and felt both proud and deeply moved. He was looking forward to celebrating this great honor with the team and all our partners. Pierre would undoubtedly urge us to pursue the path the Festival has been walking since 1948, with strength and fidelity.
We warmly thank all our public and private partners for their trust, their loyal commitment, and their unwavering support, which are essential to the continuation of the Festival’s missions.
Paul Hermelin,
Chair of the Board,
The Executive Committee of the Festival
BIRGIT NILSSON PRIZE PRESS RELEASE BIRGIT NILSSON LEGACY ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 21: WATCH THE OFFICIAL BIRGIT NILSSON AWARD CEREMONY LIVE!
Tuesday, October 21 at 6 pm., don’t miss the live broadcast from Sweden for the official presentation of the Birgit Nilsson Prize at the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence — the most prestigious award in the world of classical music!
The Ceremony at Konserthuset Stockholm in honour of this year’s recipient, the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, will be a musical celebration featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Swedish Opera Chorus and soloists Peter Mattei, Matilda Sterby and Daniel Johansson, conducted by Susanna Mälkki.
The Prize will be presented by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf, and the evening will feature music by Mozart, Wagner, Stenhammar, and Kaija Saariaho.
