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[title]At 21, Aigul Akhmetshina debuted as Carmen at London’s Royal Opera House, shaking the foundations of the opera world. She became one of the most sought-after voices of her generation, performing across Europe, the United States, and Asia, receiving praise and acclaim worldwide. Yet behind that meteoric success lies a biography as unique as it is inspiring. Who is this opera singer from a small Russian village, who, despite suffering a life-threatening accident, is now preparing for her first performance at Teatro Colón as part of the Aura Cycle? Aigul Akhmetshina spoke with Time Out Buenos Aires about her challenging beginnings, her passion for performing different genres, and her excitement to sing tangos on Argentine soil.
Born in a tiny Russian village that’s nearly impossible to pronounce or locate on a map (Kirgiz-Miyaki), Aigul spent her early years like all the children around her—singing nursery rhymes and playing improvisational games. But it wasn’t until she saw an opera for the first time that everything clicked, and her destiny was sealed.
“Opera is one of the most complex art forms: it brings together countless artistic disciplines into one,” she says confidently, emphasizing the importance of collective effort: “I’m fascinated by the teamwork behind it—the enormous machinery that starts long before the curtain rises. When the energies of all these people finally come together on stage, the result is magical.”
“Opera is one of the most complex art forms: it brings together countless artistic disciplines into one”
Aigul Akhmetshina and the accident that changed her life forever
She suffered a terrible car accident that left her without a voice, thinking her life as she knew it was over, only to then face rejection from Moscow’s Gnessin Academy, one of Russia’s most prestigious institutions. At the time, she couldn’t understand why so many bad things were happening at once, but the forced pause became a turning point: just six months later, she signed her first contract with the Royal Opera House in London, and life reminded her that sometimes destiny has its own plans. Looking back, she reflects:
“Every obstacle I faced strengthened me and gave me the life experience I carry with me today. As Sir Antonio Pappano once told me: ‘Even from bad experiences, there is always a positive outcome; you just have to find the right angle.’”
Also of interest: Opera at the Teatro Colón, what you can’t miss in 2025
Her debut as Carmen at the Royal Opera House at just 21 launched her into opera stardom, leaving her with wonderful memories and strong pillars that supported her throughout the process:
“It was an extraordinary experience, and I couldn’t have done it alone. I had already participated in the production as Mercedes, so I had observed Barry Kosky’s staging and felt connected to it. When the opportunity arose, I knew I could immerse myself in the story. But above all, I was captivated by the trust and support of the Royal Opera House family: the chorus, the musicians, my colleagues from the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme, my friends, my family. In the theater, you never shine alone; it’s always teamwork that allows someone to stand out.”
“In the theater, you never shine alone; it’s always teamwork that allows someone to stand out”
An artist without musical boundaries
When asked about her role models, she says she could never choose just one. In opera, she admires figures like Olga Borodina, Marilyn Horne, Teresa Berganza, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, Dame Janet Baker, Jessye Norman, Luciano Pavarotti, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, and Ruggero Raimondi, among many others. But she also acknowledges the influence of artists from very different genres—from Lady Gaga, Depeche Mode, U2, Queen, and Mark Ronson, to Samara Joy, Nile Rodgers, Ella Fitzgerald, Solomon Burke, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Nina Simone, and even Eminem. With humor, she adds:
“It seems like I have a personality disorder (laughs), but actually, I’m obsessed with music in all its forms.”
Debuting at Teatro Colón with a taste of tango
This will be her first performance on an Argentine stage—no less than at Teatro Colón—and her expectations are high:
“I have a really good feeling. I’ve always wanted to visit Latin America: I admire its culture, music, dance, and the passion with which people live and tell stories. I’ve heard that the Argentine audience is incredibly warm and welcoming, and I’m eager to perform at Teatro Colón.”
To delight the local audience, she included some tangos, confessing:
“I’ve always loved Argentine music and often include it in my recitals. For me, it was unthinkable not to sing some of those songs. They’re irresistible to perform: so full of color, passion, and love for life. And the audience always responds immediately.”
“I admire the culture, music, dance, and the passion with which people live and tell stories in Latin America”
She promises her performance will offer “variety and connection.” Of course, there will be highlights from the mezzo-soprano repertoire. But she also wanted to include Russian songs, part of her heritage, and honor the Argentine audience by singing their music in their own language. Yes, performing pieces that have been sung countless times is risky, but her hope is simple: to give everyone a beautiful evening, a warm welcome, and let the music connect us.
When and where: Sunday, September 14, Teatro Colón. Tickets here and here.
PING PONG
A city you love in the world: London, because that’s where my artistic journey began; it’s my second home. It’s a city of endless variety, where history and modern life merge, and where you can find any form of art you like.
A restaurant you love to return to: Olivomare in London. It’s a small Italian restaurant that serves the best spaghetti with bottarga. Finger-licking good!
A childhood meal: Mashed potatoes with cutlets—a simple dish, full of memories and comfort.
A place to relax: In the mountains, although I rarely have time to go. Even a short walk helps me recharge.
A song that’s the soundtrack of your life: “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra. It really reflects my journey: the ups and downs and always coming back stronger. For me, it’s about facing life’s challenges with resilience, even with a smile, knowing that every fall is followed by a rise.
A dessert you can’t say no to: Russian honey cake or apple pie.
A movie you always want to rewatch: The Harry Potter saga. And the French film Intouchables—it always inspires me.
An object you always carry: A necklace with a photo of my sister.