A Decca Classics recording artist, Aigul Akhmetshina begins her 2025–26 season with a return to the Arena di Verona as Carmen, followed by Fenena in Nabucco in a new production directed by Stefano Poda and conducted by Pinchas Steinberg.

This season, she makes her role debut as Isabella in L’Italiana in Algeri at Deutsche Oper Berlin, and returns as Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro Real Madrid, and Bayerische Staatsoper. She also performs Carmen in concert at the Erl Festival in Austria.

Akhmetshina debuts as Dalila in Samson et Dalila at both the Royal Opera House and Staatsoper Berlin, and appears as Adalgisa in Norma at the Bayerische Staatsoper.

In concert, she presents a recital programme at Den Norske Opera & Ballett in Oslo, performs Wesendonck-Lieder with Vladimir Jurowski and the Bayerische Staatsoper on tour in Shanghai, and gives a recital at Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.

Further highlights include gala concerts with Long Long at Prague’s Smetana Hall and the Hungarian State Opera, a Les Grandes Voix performance at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées with Kristina Mkhitaryan, and a solo recital at Teatro di San Carlo in Naples.

Since her breakout debut as Carmen at the Royal Opera House at the age of 21, Ms. Akhmetshina has rapidly ascended the international operatic stage. She has appeared at all major houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerische Staatsoper, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro Real, and Opéra national de Paris.

Awards and Recognition

‍Include CD of the Year – OPER! Awards 2025 for her debut album Aigul (Decca Classics), Female Singer of the Year – International Opera Awards (2023), Sky Arts Award – Classical Music (2024), Olivier Award Nominee – Outstanding Achievement in Opera (2024), First Prize – International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition (2017)