Many events have taken place after those listed below. We hope to continue to publish information about them when time permits.
Stockholm, March 1997
On 10 March 1997, the Scandinavian Jussi Björling Society and Folkoperans vänner (The Friends of Folkoperan) arranged a concert at Folkoperan in Stockholm labelled Jussi in Our Hearts. Four of Jussi Björling´s former colleagues took part: Kerstin Meyer and Elisabeth Söderström as hosts, Erik Saedén and Margareta Hallin as singers. Seven young Swedish tenors were heard, and at the end, they all joined in a very much acclaimed version of Nessun dorma. The successful arrangement was initiated by the bass and choral conductor JohnErik Eleby, who took part himself both as singer and conductor.
Stora Tuna Church, Borlänge, July 1998
On 8 July 1998, The Oratorio Society of New York, conducted by Dr. Lyndon Woodside, gave a concert at Stora Tuna Church in memory of Jussi Björling and for the benefit of the Björling Museum. The chorus was accompanied by the Dalarna Chamber Orchestra. Song soloists were Jussi’s grandson Raymond Björling and the soprano Monika Mannerström.
The programme included Te Deum by Joseph Haydn and Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. Raymond Björling sang several songs which were also in his grandfather’s repertoire.The concert was a great success, with all the more than 1000 seats in the church occupied. After the concert, there was a wreath-laying ceremony at Jussi Björling’s grave.
On the tour, with which the Oratorio Society celebrated its 125th anniversary, concerts were also given in Stockholm, Helsinki and St. Petersburg.
Carnegie Hall in New York, home of the Oratorio Society, also played an important role in Jussi Björling’s career. In November 1937 he made his American debut as a tenor there and returned another 15 times to the famous concert hall.
Gothenburg (Göteborg), October 1998
On 11 October 1998, a Jussi Björling memorial concert was held at Artisten, Gothenburg, by the Aina Brundin & Rune Orrtegen Young Singers Award Foundation. Eight promising young opera singers – six tenors, one barytone and one mezzosoprano – took part, and each of them was given an award of SEK 10,000.
New York, October 1998
On 24 October 1998, at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, a benefit concert "in Memory of Three Great Tenors Jussi Bjoerling, Mario Del Monaco and Giacomo Lauri-Volpi and the Famous Conductor Fausto Cleva" was arranged by the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation. The winners of the 1998 international vocal competition were presented at this concert. Patrice Munsel was host and there were guest appearances by Licia Albanese, Lucine Amara, Ryu Goto and Robert Merrill.
Hempstead, NY, USA, November 1998
On 24 November 1998 (the 60th anniversary of Jussi Björling’s debut at the Metropolitan Opera), at 8 p.m., ”The Friends of Music” gave a concert in his memory at Monroe Lecture Center Theater, California Avenue, South Campus, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA.
”The Friends of Music” has performed for several years in the New York metropolitan area and consists of Cantor Don Goldberg, tenor, Cantor Victor Beck, tenor, Felice Spungin, piano, and Judy Selsky, harp. Cantor Goldberg is one of the best known Jussi Björling experts in the USA.
Stockholm, Sweden, September 2000
On 9 September 2000 (the 40th anniversary of Jussi Björling's death) there was a gala performance in his memory in the Royal Opera House in Stockholm, the "home stage" where Jussi sang very often. The hosts of the arrangement were Elisabeth Söderström and Ragnar Ulfung. Many excellent artists took part. (For details see the Swedish version). The Royal Orchestra was conducted by Leif Segerstam.
Stora Tuna, Sweden, September 2000
On the following day, 10 September, another memorial concert was arranged at the church of Stora Tuna, Borlänge (the native city of Jussi Björling). Soloists were Jussi's son Lars Björling, his grandson Raymond Björling, Hillevi Martinpelto and John Erik Eleby.