The 66-year-old Chinese musician, who was born in Paris, brought "an important chapter to the history of music", praised Susanne Rydén, president of the Birgit Nilsson foundation awarding the prize, in a press release.
"With exceptional musical sense, passion and dedication, Yo-Yo Ma's commitment to music helps us imagine and build a stronger society and a better future," she said.
With one million dollars (about 950,000 euros), the Birgit Nilsson Prize is the most richly endowed in the world of classical music, according to the foundation.
"It's a great privilege to receive this award and to play a small part in the legacy of one of our greatest musical role models," said Yo-Yo Ma.
Presented in memory of the Swedish singer of the same name, this prize rewards singers, conductors and active institutions.
In 2019, the award was extended to musicians.
A world-renowned virtuoso, Yo-Yo Ma has won a total of 19 Grammy Awards for nearly 90 albums.
He has also performed many film scores.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he had frequently posted interpretations of classical composers like Bach and Beethoven on social media, playing on several occasions in memory of the victims of the pandemic and in honor of medical personnel.
© 2022 AFP