Nina Stemme about the award International Swede of the Year

In dialogue with Swedes Worldwide’s communication manager Marika Tornberg, on 17th of August 2018, Nina Stemme (International Swede of the Year 2018) answers five questions about the award and being a Swedish artist.

How does it feel to get the award Swedish Swedish in the world?
There are few things that make one so proud and happy to get an award “from home”, from Sweden! Something that feels extra honorable with this award is that I share it with very brilliant personalities, such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Astrid Lindgren, Staffan de Mistura, Hans Rosling, Lars Gustafsson – yes, I really want to give the whole list of former award winners here!

Why do you think the jury has chosen you as the year’s premier Swedish representative?
I think it is important for Sweden that I have received a lot of international appreciation for my artistry and that around the world I draw attention to the fact that I come from Sweden and thus is part of the Swedish vocal tradition. One becomes a sort of ambassador to Sweden …. a go-ahead spirit in the narrow art of opera. And I’m on top of my artistry now, with all that it means of attention, influence and opportunities.

How has your Swedish origin characterized your artistry?
An artistry consists for the most part of hard work, which has been my rescue, joy and happiness. The artistic emerges like icing on the cake. This applies regardless of origin. However, I think that several of the characteristics that characterize my way of working and taking on new challenges, such as openness, earthy and a great working will, have a bearing on the Swedish social climate and the opportunities I have gained.

How does your Swedish origin affect your career, for example, how you are treated, what scenes and roles you are invited to and so on?
Neither the roles I’m offered or the scenes I’m invited to are influenced by my origin, but rely on artistic qualities and opportunities. Something that, on the other hand, is of great importance to me and my career is that I, as a Swede, have the privilege of working abroad, but am always welcome home to Sweden again. In addition, Sweden and Swedish opera singers, musicians, composers etcetera have a high reputation internationally. We always meet positive expectations as Swedes!

Is your Swedishness something you show up?
I do not show my Swedishness in any conscious way, but when I’m abroad and singing, I feel to some extent like an ambassador to Sweden, even if it’s something they do not think about so much abroad. It often happens that, for example, that Chancellor Angela Merkel or Ruth Bader Ginsburg attend my performances. Sometimes they take time to come in behind the stage to thank me and exchange some words. Then I really feel that what I do as a Swedish opera singer is important and impresses!