Festival d'Aix-en-Provence Wins Birgit Nilsson Prize for 2025

Valued at $1 million USD, the Prize is one of the largest awards in classical music

Carrying a value of $1 million USD, the Birgit Nilsson Prize is one of the most lucrative awards in classical music. It is awarded every three years or so to an artist or an institution that has made a significant contribution to the classical music world.

In 2025, the Prize is given to the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, which marks the first time that a festival has received the award. It will be presented by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf at Konserthuset Stockholm, in a ceremony on October 21, 2025.

The Festival d'Aix-en-Provence is currently preparing for its 77th edition, and is one of the leading operatic events in the world. Originally, the festival had a strong focus on the works of Mozart, but it now presents four centuries' worth of opera, with an emphasis on contemporary work.

The Festival's General Director, Pierre Audi, recently passed away — but prior to his death, he was able to comment on winning the Prize, describing how "grateful and humbled" he was to receive it.

"No words are warm enough to express our deepest thanks at receiving this wonderful honor," he added. 

It was recently announced that in Audi's absence, Bernard Foccroulle will serve as the Festival's Artistic Advisor.

Recent recipients of the Birgit Nilsson Prize include Yo-Yo Ma, Nina Stemme, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Riccardo Muti, and Plácido Domingo.

"The Board is proud to honor the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence with the 2025 Birgit Nilsson Prize for its outstanding artistic achievements and commitment to developing and commissioning new opera productions," said Susanne Rydén, President of the Birgit Nilsson Stiftelsen.

"With its forward-looking and multi-faceted programming the Festival has produced key milestones in contemporary masterpieces which have perpetuated the art form and added an important chapter to music history. Special recognition is given to the production of Kaija Saariaho’s opera 'Innocence', premiered at the Festival D’Aix-en-Provence in 2021." ­

"Today is both a moment of celebration and deep sadness, as the world mourns the loss of Pierre Audi, who died suddenly earlier this month. As General Director of the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence since 2019, Pierre’s artistic passion and dedication was truly inspirational and he was looking forward to celebrating this special honor, of which he was so proud to acknowledge on behalf of all those he worked with at the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence."