American cellist Jojo Ma was awarded the Birgita Nilson Prize / Day

The prize is awarded by the foundation founded by the legendary Swedish opera singer Birgita Nilsone (1918–2005). The winner receives one million US dollars – this is the most generous award in classical music. Artists and institutions that have made a significant contribution to the development of music are eligible. The award is presented approximately every three years. Its first winner in 2009 was singer and conductor Placido Domingo, nominated by Birgita Nilson herself. Placido Domingo was one of the most popular stage partners of the Swedish prime. The next laureates were nominated by an international panel of experts, and the winner was determined by a vote of the Birgita Nilson Foundation board members. In 2011 the prize was won by maestro Ricardo Muti, in 2014 by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 2018 by the dramatic soprano Nīna Stemme in Birgita Nilsone’s centenary.

Susanne Rieden, President of the Birgita Nilson Foundation, said this year’s award winner at the Birgita Nilson Museum in Bostad, southern Sweden, on 17 May, said: what Birgita Nilson wanted to see in the artist when she founded the award.With her outstanding musicality, enthusiasm and selflessness, Jojo Ma helps us imagine and build a stronger society and a better future.His support is constantly inspiring new generations of musicians. page in the history of music, and we are delighted to be able to welcome him to Sweden in the autumn to present the Birgita Nilson Prize. “

Susanne Rieden, President of the Birgita Nilson Foundation, announces the name of the 2022 Birgita Nilson Prize winner. Photo – Ulfs Stjernbo

Jojo Ma has gained recognition as a brilliant performer, a supporter of young talent and an active initiator of social projects. In partnership with communities and organizations around the world, the artist pursues programs aimed at improving the quality of life and strengthening the foundations of society through cultural tools. He is convinced that culture has the potential to foster understanding and trust. In music, Jojo Ma not only chooses classical repertoire, but also collaborates with representatives of other genres from around the world. Jojo Ma plays the opuses of the 20th and 21st centuries and has dedicated new works by many composers. He has recorded more than 100 albums and won nineteen Grammys.

The award ceremony will take place on October 18 at the Stockholm Concert Hall. The award will be presented to the cellist by King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden. The concert, which will honor Jojo Ma, will feature young Swedish musicians, including cellist Amalie Stalheim and soprano Johann Valrota and mezzo-soprano Emma Sventeliusa.

The ceremony will be attended by the famous Swedish soprano Maria Bengtson, the Stockholm Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Swedish Opera Choir, conductor Patrik Ringborg, as well as the Swedish Radio Choir conducted by conductor Kaspars Putniņš. Tickets can be purchased konserthuset.se. Jojo Ma himself will be heard at the Stockholm Concert Hall October 16 – Together with the Stockholm Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Alan Gilbert, he will play Antonin Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. Hector Berlioz will also perform tonight Fantastic symphony.

Information: www.yo-yoma.com, www.birgitnilsson.com

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