Sofie Asplund

The Åland-born coloratura soprano Sofie Asplund has established herself as one of the Nordic Region's most versatile and expressive opera singers. She has performed at opera houses such as the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, Gothenburg Opera and the Norwegian National Opera, where she has been praised for her interpretations of roles such as Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos, Gilda in Rigoletto, and Kunigunde in Candide. She also gained international attention through her participation in Barbara Hannigan's Equilibrium Young Artists project in 2019. 

Beyond opera, Asplund has made a mark in concert repertoire. Her album featuring Britten's Les illuminations and Debussy's Ariettes oubliées, recorded with the Lund Chamber Soloists (Naxos, 2021), was nominated for a Swedish Grammis Award and has been praised by critics for its musical sensitivity and intelligent interpretations. Her artistic range is further evidenced by her appearances in musical theatre, including roles such as Maria in West Side Story at Gothenburg Opera and Christine in The Phantom of the Opera at both the Finnish National Opera and Gothenburg Opera. 

Asplund also maintains a close connection to her home region and has premiered several operatic works in Åland, including the lead in Lisbeta by Karólína Eiríksdóttir. 

By embracing both well-known and newly composed works, Asplund has contributed to promoting Nordic music and operatic art in Åland and the wider Nordic Region. Her voice and stage presence have enriched a wide range of genres, and through her artistry, she continues to inspire both audiences and new generations of singers. With her artistic breadth, international experience, and deep roots in the Nordic musical tradition, Sofie Asplund is a worthy nominee for the Nordic Council Music Prize.