Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina joins the prestigious Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House from the start of the ²⁰¹⁷⁄₁₈ Season, her roles include Mercedes in Carmen, the title role of Carmen in La Tragédie de Carmen and Sonyetka in Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk. Other engagements this season include the title role in Rossini’s La Cenerentola for Opera de Bauge Festival in France.

Born in 1996, Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina graduated with honours from the vocal department of SBEI UAC College under the tutelage of prof. Nelly Yusupova Gabdelhaevna and took master classes by Ildar Abdrazakov, Barbara Frittoli and Delfo Menicucci.

She is a member of the International Union of Musicians of the Interregional Shalyapin Centre (Ufa branch).

Competition successes include Winner of the 36th International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition in Moscow, Bronze medal at the Francisco Araiza International Opera Competition in Mexico, third prize in the D Kabalevsky International Competition in Samara, an award and bronze medal in the 10th and 14th Youth Delphic Competition of Russia respectively and first prize in the B T Shtokolov International Vocal Competition in St Petersburg, the Fedor Shalyapin International Vocal Competition in Ufa and the New Opera Competition in Moscow. She has also won the Talented Youth Support Award for Contribution to the Development of Culture and Art in the Russian Federation. She has participated in the Estate Stellare festival of Russian music and dance in Italy and masterclasses with Ildar Abdrazakov, Barbara Frittoli and Delfo Menicucci.