A fund dedicated to the memory of the late opera singer Birgit Nilsson has just announced the biggest prize in the history of classical music.

How much is the prize money? Staggering one million dollars!

At the wish of the legendary soprano, a prize has been started in her name to award outstanding achievement in the field of opera or concert. The first award will be announced early 2009. Birgit Nilsson herself has chosen the first winner and the name is being kept in a sealed envelope until the day of announcement.

The Prize will be awarding achievements of:

– A singer in the field of opera and/or concert and/or oratorio
– A conductor in the classical field of opera and/or concert
– A specific production by an opera company, as long as this production is outstandingly cast
and conducted and, most importantly, staged in the spirit of the composer.

With a clear opera bias to the Prize, it's worth pointing out that a composer of an opera is not eligable for the award. In the recently released press relase there is no mentioning of why innovation and renewal of the opera repertoir is not considered important.

For further information, go to: http://www.birgitnilssonprize.org/

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