Luthando Qave Wins 2026 Birgit Nilsson Stipendium
By David Salazar(photo credit: Lennart Sjöberg)
Baritone Luthando Qave has been awarded the 2026 Birgit Nilsson Stipendium, valued at 250,000 Swedish kronor (approximately $27,000).
Qave is set to present his Stipendium Recital on Aug. 7, 2026, at Västra Karup Church alongside pianist Magnus Svensson as part of the Birgit Nilsson Festival.
“I am both very happy and extremely proud to receive the Birgit Nilsson Stipendium. I will use it to study abroad. Above all, the scholarship gives me the courage to continue my artistic journey and to become the best artist I can be,” Qave, who was born and raised in South Africa, said per an official press release.
Qave began his career with Cape Town Opera and made his European debut touring Sweden in “Porgy and Bess.” In 2008, he moved to Stockholm to study at the University College of Opera, before joining the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Now a Swedish citizen, Qave performs regularly with the Royal Swedish Opera, Gothenburg Opera, and Norrlandsoperan. His recent engagements include the Herald in “Lohengrin” and Escamillo in “Carmen” at Malmö Opera, as well as Figaro at the Royal Swedish Opera and Marcello in “La bohème.”
Established by Birgit Nilsson in 1969, the stipendium is awarded annually to support the continued artistic development of a singer. Previous recipients include Nina Stemme, Malin Byström, Christina Nilsson, and Matilda Sterby.
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