Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Summer Experiences in Sweden
From Svenstad in the south of Sweden, and out onto the world’s stage Birgit Nilsson was one of the world’s greatest opera singers and has performed everywhere from Moscow, through Europe, to New York. However, she always looked out for her native village, where a museum about her life is about to open for the tenth year. “This year’s theme is Birgit Nilsson and The Met. 60 years ago, she made her debut at the Metropolitan opera, which is a milestone in any opera singer’s career,” says Gitte Lindström-Harmark, manager at Birgit Nilsson Museum. “She performed everywhere; she sang at the opening of the opera house in Sydney, and in Buenos Aires in the middle of the revolution, when Juan Perón was overthrown. She was loved, partly because of her unique voice, but also because she was humble and generous. After her debut at The Met, one of the many reviewers wrote ‘Birgit is a sensation. The audience staggering out after the performance was wide-eyed and almost numbed’,” says Lindström-Harmark.
So, how does the museum represent Birgit? “We are proud to preserve her legacy here at the museum, and with private mementos, recordings, pictures and an excellent audio guide, you can learn more about Birgit’s life. Birgit also founded the world’s biggest classical music prize before she died – giving one million US dollars for outstanding achievement by an active performing artist or institution every second year,” explains Lindström-Harmark “We are happy to have a so-called ‘living museum’, where we host master classes and organise events throughout the season. In August last year, we celebrated Birgit with a fantastic concert, and we will continue to host it this year. A choir of 150 singers, the
By Hanna Andersson
Helsingborg symphony orchestra, and eight international soloists will perform in front of an audience of 2,000. It is exciting that we can continue this, and in true Birgit Nilsson spirit,” Lindström-Harmark smiles.
Courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera Archives. Photo:Louis Mélançon
Web: www.birgitnilsson.com Facebook: Birgit Nilsson Museum
Balcony life and royal maps at Solliden Palace Solliden Palace has been the Swedish royal family’s summer paradise for generations. The surrounding park is an oasis of lush greenery, winding pathways and stories from the past, and an exciting programme of events awaits visitors this season. By Malin Norman | Photos: Solliden Palace
Solliden Palace was built on the island of Öland by Queen Victoria in 1906. Today, the stunning estate is owned by King Carl XVI Gustaf and is a favourite among members of the royal family, who regularly come to stay at the palace and its private guest houses. The surrounding park is open to the public and is a popular summer destination. The annual exhibition Idea Gardens, now running for the fifth time in King Gustav V’s old croquet field, is one not to miss. The theme for this year’s show is Balcony Life, with eight exhibitors creating garden designs and competing for both the Solliden Award and the Visitors’ Award. Another new seasonal exhibition offers old maps and posters from the royal archives. Colourful maps with ships and sea 78 | Issue 124 | May 2019
monsters from the 17th century are mixed with detailed maps of land and battle fields from the era of King Karl XIV Johan. Many of the maps have been used – some even made – by the royals, while others have been purchased as souvenirs on trips abroad. This summer, the garden also hosts a series of sculptures by Swedish artists such as
Asmund Arle, Olle Baertling and Eva Lange, and there are plenty of other events throughout the season. The highlight is of course the celebration of Crown Princess Victoria’s birthday, which takes place on 14 July. For young adventurers, Solliden has a special children’s map for exploring hidden areas in the park, and for hungry visitors, the picturesque Coffee Cottage offers home-cooked food and delicacies from its own bakery and crepe shop. Queen Silvia and King Carl XVI Gustaf.
Web: www.sollidensslott.se Facebook: Sollidensslott Instagram: @sollidensslott