Soprano (dramatic)
Nina Stemme is a Swedish dramatic soprano of commanding presence whose interpretations of Wagner's heroines—Isolde, Brünnhilde, and Elektra—have defined the role for her generation and established her as the preeminent Wagnerian voice of the early twenty-first century.
Defining moments and milestones
Stemme emerged from Stockholm's conservatory tradition to become the defining Wagnerian soprano of her era, her debut as Cherubino in 1989 giving way to a career that would establish her as the supreme interpreter of Isolde, Brünnhilde, and Elektra on the world's greatest stages. Her 2005 *Tristan und Isolde* recording with Plácido Domingo and her landmark *Ring* cycles at La Scala and Vienna State Opera under Barenboim cemented her status as an artist of intellectual rigor and psychological depth. Honored with the Birgit Nilsson Prize in 2018 and named "world's leading female opera singer" by *Opernwelt* in 2005 and 2012, Stemme has redefined dramatic soprano singing for the twenty-first century.
Winner of the Birgit Nilsson Prize (2018); Named 'world's leading female opera singer' by Opernwelt magazine (2005, 2012); International Opera Award for Best Female Singer (2013–2014)
Adolf Fredrik's Music School, Stockholm; Stockholm University (business administration and economics); Stockholm Operastudio; University College of Opera in Stockholm (completed 1994); Honorary Doctorate, University of Lund
Recordings featuring Nina Stemme in the Society index
Additional recordings will appear here as the catalog expands.