Opera In America Autumn 2008

"The Birgit Nilsson Foundation announced Friday that it would begin awarding a $1 million prize, which it is calling the largest such prize in classical music. The foundation, established by Ms. Nilsson, the Swedish soprano who died in 2005, will award the prize every two to three years to reward the outstanding achievement of a concert or opera singer, a classical music or opera conductor, or a specific production by an opera company. The foundation said that the name of the first winner had been chosen by Ms. Nilsson herself, been sealed in an envelope and would be announced early next year. For future prizes, the foundation plans to appoint a jury for a three-year term, which will make recommendations to the foundation’s board."

Dave Itzkoff "How to Make $1 Million? Practice, Practice, Practice" New York Times December 5, 2008

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Photo credits: (c) Louis Melancon and the Metropolitan Opera Archives and (c) Ken Howard 2008 via Opera America website. With thanks.