Spanish tenor Placido Domingo was named the first winner of the Birgit Nilsson Prize, worth $1million, for his unrivaled contributions to the world of opera.

The Swedish Birgit Nilsson, considered as one of the world’s best dramatic sopranos, created the price and selected Placido Domingo herself before her death at age 87 in December 2005.

Her choice was announced last Friday 20. Subsequent winners will be decided by the foundation’s council, with the help of a jury of prominent figures in classical music.

“She wanted to honor one of the greatest opera singers of all time, whose contributions to the world of opera and concert are unrivaled,” said Rutbert Reisch, president of the Birgit Nilsson foundation.

Nilsson and Domingo sang together several times, starting in New York at the Metropolitan Opera on February 15, 1969 in a matinee production of Tosca by Giacomo Puccini.

“Placido acquitted himself splendidly. He was an incredibly good Cavaradossi, his acting was superb. He was the part, he loved the part and on top there was gorgeous singing,” Nilsson remarked at the time.

A prize ceremony is planned for later this year in Stockholm.

Domingo has performed in 130 roles and also won worldwide acclaim outside the opera scene as one of The Three Tenors, with Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti. Enjoy this wonderful performance.