Picture this: a small village in the heart of Russia, where an ordinary girl named Aigul Akhmetshina spent her childhood immersed in the enchanting world of folk songs. With a button accordion in hand, she captivated her audience from a tender age. Fast forward to today, and that same 'ordinary girl' is about to take the stage at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, headlining a new production of Bizet's timeless masterpiece, 'Carmen.' Talk about a journey!
Akhmetshina's path to success has been anything but smooth. Along the way, she faced failures in vocal competitions, endured an injury that temporarily silenced her voice, and even encountered a conservatory in Moscow that claimed she wasn't good enough for a scholarship. Yet, through it all, she remained stubbornly determined. She credits those who believed in her more than she did in herself for pushing her forward.
Among her staunch supporters is vocal coach Nailya Yusupova, whose guidance and belief in Akhmetshina's talent have been instrumental in shaping her career. And then there's artist manager Marcin Kopec, who first heard Akhmetshina's voice during a scouting audition in Russia, when she was still a teenager. Kopec describes her voice as a 'dark chocolate, warm and beautiful.' With such praise, it's no wonder he immediately recognized her potential and brought her to London for further opportunities.
Her big break came in 2017 when she debuted as Carmen in Peter Brook's version of the opera. Her sultry performance captured audiences' hearts, and critics raved about her strong voice and confident, seductive portrayal. Since then, she has continued to triumph in the role, taking on productions in Munich, Berlin, London, and many more.
Akhmetshina, who calls this year her 'Fifty Shades of Carmen,' is embracing the character's fierce determination and refusal to conform to societal norms. It's a role that resonates with her own life experiences. Like Carmen, she has overcome adversity and fights for her dreams. Akhmetshina adds, 'I'm a fighter. I had to be, and when you have to prove that you own your place, that gives you extra strength.'
Director Carrie Cracknell's gritty production of 'Carmen' further amplifies Akhmetshina's raw talent. Set in post-industrialist America, the story unfolds against a backdrop of unemployed men resenting women who have jobs. The cigarette factory is replaced with a munitions factory, and Escamillo, Carmen's charismatic rival, becomes a rodeo champion. The fusion of Akhmetshina's instincts and Cracknell's vision promises a thrilling performance on the Met's grand stage.
Taking on such a monumental role at a young stage in her career may raise a few eyebrows, but Metropolitan Opera's general manager, Peter Gelb, has full confidence in Akhmetshina's abilities. With her rich and gorgeous voice, strong theatrical instincts, and an unwavering commitment to her craft, she is as close to a sure thing as it gets. In fact, Gelb has already lined up future seasons for Akhmetshina with roles in other operas.
For now, though, all eyes are on Akhmetshina as she mesmerizes audiences as Carmen. Alongside a talented cast, including Piotr Beczala as Don Jose, Angel Blue as Micaela, and Kyle Ketelsen as Escamillo, the performance promises to be nothing short of captivating. With conductor Daniele Rustioni at the helm, the stage is set for a remarkable interpretation of this beloved masterpiece.
So, if you find yourself in New York City, make sure to catch Aigul Akhmetshina's electrifying performance in 'Carmen' at the Metropolitan Opera. And if you can't be there in person, don't fret – the Jan. 27 matinee will be broadcast live in HD to movie theaters worldwide. It's an opportunity to witness a rising star on the operatic scene as she continues to shine brightly on her extraordinary journey from that small village in Russia to the grand stage of the Metropolitan Opera.
