Simon Boyar, music professor at New York University, doesn't see himself as a classical musician.

NPR: Percussionist Simon Boyar, Breaking New Ground

Despite her early passion, Ferguson spent the first chunk of her career as a classical musician.

FORBES: The Universe and Mrs. Ferguson

Sweden's highest music honour is typically shared by a pop artist and a classical musician.

BBC: Patti Smith and Kronos Quartet accept Polar music prize

He returned to New York to a ticker-tape parade - the first time for a classical musician.

BBC: Van Cliburn, American pianist, dies aged 78

My grandmother, choosing to follow in her father's footsteps, became an Eastern classical musician and a stage performer.

CNN: The Internet was my music teacher

He became the first classical musician ever to have a million-selling record.

WSJ: Van Cliburn: A Russian Was Supposed to Win

The award, founded in 1989 by the late Stig Anderson, manager of Swedish pop group ABBA, has been handed out every year since 1992 and is typically shared by a pop artist and a classical musician.

NPR: N'Dour, Saariaho Share Sweden's Polar Music Prize

In addition to his work as a musician and "modern classical" composer, he's been an active participant in the country's arts scene.

NPR: Johann Johannsson: The Transporter

Other finalists included previous winner Aaron Jay Kernis for classical composition "Pieces of Winter Sky" and jazz musician Wadada Leo Smith for "Ten Freedom Summers, " a 10-part examination of the civil rights movement.

NPR: Caroline Shaw Wins 2013 Pulitzer For Music