Xxxx wins $1-million Birgit Nilsson Prize

GEORGE JAHN

VIENNA (AP) — The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra has been named the 2014 winner of the Birgit Nilsson Prize, a prestigious musical honor that comes with a $1 million award.

Birgit Nilsson Foundation president Rutbert Resch cited the orchestra's "highest artistic standards and great versatility" in choosing the ensemble for the award, given once every three years.

Orchestra president Clemens Hellsberg said Vienna Philharmonic members were "honored by a prize" that bears Nilsson's name.

Endowed by the late Swedish soprano, the Birgit Nilsson Prize was first awarded to opera star Placido Domingo in 2008, three years after Nilsson's death.

Conductor Ricardo Muti was the second recipient in 2011.

The award will be presented in Stockholm Oct. 8 to the full orchestra in the presence of Swedish King Carl XVI Gustav.