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Birgit Nilsson was a Swedish dramatic soprano remembered for her association with composers like Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner. One of the most celebrated Swedish singers of all time, Nilsson won many awards, such as the 1966 Sonning Award. In 1982, she won the Swedish-American of the Year Award. In 2012, she was inducted into the Gramophone's Hall of Fame.
Swedish operatic tenor Jussi Björling was closely associated with New York’s Metropolitan Opera throughout his career. He was particularly known for his expertise in Italian and French repertory. After starting to sing at age 6, he made his opera debut with Mozart’s Don Giovanni in Stockholm.
Swedish opera singer Nicolai Gedda was one of the most influential lyric tenors of the world back in his time. His language skills helped him perform in languages as varied as English, French, German, and Italian. One of his most iconic roles was that of Anatol in Vanessa.
Malena Ernman is a Swedish opera singer who represented her country at the 54th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Moscow, Russia. Apart from operas and operettas, she also performs jazz, cabaret, and chansons. Also an environmental activist, Malena Ernman was adjudged Environmental Hero of the Year by an organization called WWF-Sweden in 2017.
Two-time Grammy Award-winning Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter is known for her performances in German lieder and for voicing young male characters. The daughter of Swedish diplomat Göran von Otter, she grew up in Germany and was later trained in London’s Guildhall. One of her iconic roles was that of Mélisande.
A renowned Swedish operatic soprano from the 19th century, Christina Nilsson ruled the world opera scene for 20 years. She was often compared to fellow opera star Adelina Patti and finds a mention in Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. One of her most iconic roles was that of Marguerite in Charles Gounod's Faust.
Known for her musical intellect and perception, Swedish soprano Elisabeth Söderström was predominantly seen in interpretations of Czech composer Leoš Janáček’s operas. She also appeared in operas by Mozart and Strauss and specialized in parlor songs, too. She also performed as a recitalist and concert singer worldwide.
Remembered for his iconic role of Emperor Titus in Mozart's La Clemenza Di Tito, Swedish tenor Gösta Winbergh was initially a building engineer who later switched to a career in opera. He had performed in iconic venues such as Covent Garden and the Metropolitan Opera.
