In a statement, Yo-Yo Ma said: “I wish I could have met Birgit Nilsson in person. Yet, she is alive for me through the recordings of her legendary voice and the legacy of her great generosity, her sense of humor and a lifetime grounded in cultural values. It is a great privilege to receive this honor and to play a small part in the legacy of one of our great musical role models, an artist whose attention was directed outward, toward young people and music’s role in creating a better world.”

The Oct. 18 Prize Ceremony will see Yo-Yo Ma accompanied by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and Swedish Radio Choir as well as young Swedish artists, Amalie Stalheim (cello) and Birgit Nilsson Stipendium recipients, Johanna Wallroth (soprano) and Emma Sventelius (mezzo-soprano).

Past winners include Nina Stemme, Riccardo Muti, Plácido Domingo, and Vienna Philharmonic.