Swedish Mezzo-Soprano Ida Ränzlöv Receives Birgit Nilsson Stipendium

Inspired by the word of Swedish soprano Birgit Nilsson, the award is given to promising young singers

Soprano Birgit Nilsson’s guest performance at Malmö Opera in 1969 laid the foundation for the Stipendium, which was established the same year in memory of her singing teacher Ragnar Blennow (1893–1969). The Stipendium was first awarded in 1973.

As the most recent recipient of Sweden's Birgit Nilsson Stipendium, Swedish mezzo-soprano Ida Ränzlöv receives a cash prize of 200,000 Swedish crowns (approximately 19,000 USD) and will give a recital as part of the Birgit Nilsson Days presented in the summer of 2023.

Born in Helsingbörg, Sweden, Ränzlöv studied singing with Britta Johansson and Conny Antonov at the Malmö Academy of Music, graduating in 2016. She then joined the Royal College of Music’s International Opera School and is presently continuing her studies with Dinah Harris.

Ränzlöv is currently a member of the ensemble at Staatsoper Stuttgart, where her roles have included Nancy Tang (Nixon in China), Dryade (Ariadne auf Naxos), Rosina (Il barbiere di Siviglia), and the Page of Herodias (Salome).

Previous recipients of the award include Nina Stemme, Malin Byström, Hillevi Martinpelto, Anna Larsson, and John Lundgren.

"I feel great joy and gratitude for this encouragement and support at the beginning of my career," Ränzlöv said. "You can prepare some roles on your own, but if you want to see a Wagner specialist or work with a Czech coach for a year, you need support. So in terms of furthering my career, this is a gift from above."