On This Day

Italian conductor Riccardo Muti is awarded the second $1 million Birgit Nilsson Prize

Märta Birgit Nilsson (17 May 1918 – 25 December 2005) was a Swedish dramatic soprano.

Märta Birgit Nilsson (17 May 1918 – 25 December 2005) was a Swedish dramatic soprano. Although she sang a wide repertoire of operatic and vocal works, Nilsson was best known for her performances in the operas of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. Her voice was noted for its overwhelming force, bountiful reserves of power, and the gleaming brilliance and clarity in the upper register.

Historical Significance

Märta Birgit Nilsson (17 May 1918 – 25 December 2005) was a Swedish dramatic soprano.

Events Before

  1. New FINA rules re competition swimsuits come into effect; all body-length swimsuits banned; men's suits to maximally cov

    New FINA rules re competition swimsuits come into effect; all body-length swimsuits banned; men's suits to maximally cover from the waist to knee, and women's from shoulder to knee; fabric must be a "textile" or woven material

  2. Earthquake devastates Haiti, killing an estimated 100,000 to 160,000 people and destroying the majority of the capital P

    Earthquake devastates Haiti, killing an estimated 100,000 to 160,000 people and destroying the majority of the capital Port-au-Prince

  3. "Easy Rider" director and actor Dennis Hopper (73) divorces his fifth wife Victoria Duffy due to irreconcilable differen

    "Easy Rider" director and actor Dennis Hopper (73) divorces his fifth wife Victoria Duffy due to irreconcilable differences and out-of-control spending

  4. Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo (46) divorces Lord of Tejada, Jaime de Marichalar (46) after 15 years of marriage

    Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo (46) divorces Lord of Tejada, Jaime de Marichalar (46) after 15 years of marriage

  5. Alexandre Bilodeau wins the gold medal in the freestyle skiing men's moguls event, becoming the first Canadian to win go

    Alexandre Bilodeau wins the gold medal in the freestyle skiing men's moguls event, becoming the first Canadian to win gold during an Olympic Games hosted in Canada

Events After

  1. Actress Parminder Nagra files for divorce from photographer James Stenson due to irreconcilable differences after 3 year

    Actress Parminder Nagra files for divorce from photographer James Stenson due to irreconcilable differences after 3 years of marriage

  2. American actor Dick Van Dyke (86) weds second wife, American make-up artist Arlene Silver (40) in Malibu, California

    American actor Dick Van Dyke (86) weds second wife, American make-up artist Arlene Silver (40) in Malibu, California

  3. "Twilight" actor Peter Facinelli (38) divorces "Beverly Hills 90210" actress Jennie Garth (39) due to irreconcilable dif

    "Twilight" actor Peter Facinelli (38) divorces "Beverly Hills 90210" actress Jennie Garth (39) due to irreconcilable differences after 11 years of marriage

  4. Actress and model Heidi Klum (39) divorces British soul and R&B singer-songwriter Seal (49) due to irreconcilable differ

    Actress and model Heidi Klum (39) divorces British soul and R&B singer-songwriter Seal (49) due to irreconcilable differences after almost seven years of marriage

  5. "The Lion King" becomes highest grossing Broadway show, overtaking "The Phantom of the Opera"

    "The Lion King" becomes highest grossing Broadway show, overtaking "The Phantom of the Opera"

More from the 2010s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on October 13, 2011?
Märta Birgit Nilsson (17 May 1918 – 25 December 2005) was a Swedish dramatic soprano. Although she sang a wide repertoire of operatic and vocal works, Nilsson was best known for her performances in the operas of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. Her voice was noted for its overwhelming force, bountiful reserves of power, and the gleaming brilliance and clarity in the upper register.
Why is Italian conductor Riccardo Muti is awarded the second $1 million Birgit Nilss... significant?
Märta Birgit Nilsson (17 May 1918 – 25 December 2005) was a Swedish dramatic soprano.

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