USD 1m Birgit Nilsson Prize awarded to Riccardo Muti
18th March 2011
A USD 1 million (GBP 618,900) classical music prize is set to be awarded to Riccardo Muti.
The Italian composer will be given the Birgit Nilsson Prize for 2011 on October 13th in Stockholm, Sweden.
It will recognise the 'enormous influence in the music world both on and off the stage' which Muti has had.
Commenting on the prize, Muti stated: 'When I heard that the Birgit Nilsson Foundation had chosen me for this distinguished award, I was deeply touched by the jury's accolade.'
He also expressed his deep admiration for the work of the award's founder, dramatic soprano Birgit Nilsson.
The award's inaugural prize was given to Placido Domingo two years ago.
Among the other accolades he has gained over his career, Muti has received the French Officer of the Legion of Honor decoration and the Cavaliere di Gran Croce of the Italian Republic.
At present, he serves as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.