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The group and the opera singer will receive cash prizes of
1 million Swedish crowns ($169,500) each at a ceremony held in
Stockholm on August 26, a Polar Prize spokeswoman said. The award, given each year by the Royal Swedish Academy of
Music, is the country's biggest music prize. It was founded in
1989 by Stig Anderson, manager of Swedish pop group ABBA. The prize committee lauded the 49-year-old soprano's
beautiful voice and astounding clarity. "Connoisseurs and the broader audience alike fall for her
soft, natural singing technique," the committee said. A two-time Grammy winner, Fleming has performed in opera
houses worldwide since her debut more than 20 years ago. The committee said Pink Floyd, founded in the 1960s, had
contributed widely to the development of popular culture,
bringing together art and music. "Pink Floyd captured and shaped the reflections and
attitudes of a whole generation," the committee said, noting
the band's often somber, experimental works. The prize is normally split between two musicians in
different genres, such as pop or jazz and classical. Composer
Steve Reich and jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins won last year's
awards. Previous winners also include violinist Isaac Stern, rock
musician Bruce Springsteen, Romanian composer Gyorgy Ligeti and
rock band Led Zeppelin. |
