Aigul Akhmetshina makes her role debut as Donna Elvira in Mozart's Don Giovanni, opening the Royal Ballet and Opera's 2026/27 season on 10th September. Directed by Kasper Holten and conducted by Stefano Montanari, the production marks Akhmetshina's first venture into Mozart's world, with her performances continuing until 12th October.

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Speaking to Nicky Spence on BBC Radio 3 recently, Akhmetshina described Donna Elvira as a woman whose passion and fire echo the characters who have long inspired her artistry, and connect closely to her evolving thoughts on the "femme fatale.” This is an idea she explores further on her second solo album, Mujer Fatal, released with Decca Classics on 21st August to tremendous acclaim, named Presto Music's Recording of the Week and debuting at #3 on the UK Official Classical Chart. The album was made in close collaboration with Antonio Pappano, whom Akhmetshina has credited as a dream collaborator since her days as a Jette Parker Young Artist.

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Coming full circle since those early days as a young artist in London, this role debut is both a beginning and a homecoming for Akhmetshina, who embarks on a busy season ahead, including Charlotte in Werther at the Opéra national de Paris, the title role in La Cenerentola at Teatro di San Carlo, the title role in Samson et Dalila at the Metropolitan Opera, a role debut as Lyubasha in The Tsar's Bride at Staatsoper Berlin, and her recital debut at Carnegie Hall.

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