The world of opera is no stranger to remarkable talents, but when a star emerges with a voice that captivates the soul, it's an event worth celebrating. Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina has taken the Salzburger Festspiele by storm with her unforgettable debut as Romeo in Bellini's "I Capuleti e i Montecchi." The resounding success of her performance has left audiences and critics alike in awe, marking a significant milestone in her already illustrious career.
A standing ovation is the ultimate testament to an artist's impact on the audience, and Aigul Akhmetshina received not just one but a chorus of standing ovations following her performance as Romeo. Her rendition was a masterclass in both vocal prowess and emotional interpretation, captivating the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness her on the grand stage of the Salzburger Festspiele.
The press has been unanimous in their praise for Aigul Akhmetshina's performance, with accolades that underline the exceptional nature of her artistry. Let's have a look at what some of the most respected voices in the industry had to say:
Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina has one of the most beautiful mezzo tones that I have recently heard. The young singer’s instrument projects well from the gigantic stage of the Felsenreitschule. Her voice has a sense of warmth and roundness, some might say meatiness, that is very impressive. I believe the warm reception of the Salzburgian audience to her performance came first and foremost because the vocal work was so strong and in a Bellinian score that showcases how beautiful voices can sound…Although this was only a concert version of the opera, Akmetshina wore a suit on stage. It was nice to see a singer who cares about the much-needed androgyny of this role.
João Marcos Copertino, Operawire
To speak of a breakthrough or an A-Star-is-born moment would be presumptuous given the international successes that Aigul Akhmetshina has already celebrated; one of the most impressive Salzburg debuts of recent years - which was even celebrated by the audience with standing ovations - can be attested to the mezzo-soprano in any case. With an engaging stage presence, she designed Romeo and gave him both youthful defiance and believable despair. The voice is simply beautiful, with a honeyed timbre that shimmers colorfully both in the lows and in the highs that soar effortlessly over the orchestra and is completely free of register breaks. Akhmetshina always used her vocal assets in a clever and differentiated way, not only letting her technical skills shine for mere sensationalism, but always used them to express all facets of the character.
Isabella Steppan, Bachtrack
Akhmetshina è già molto più che una promessa: armata di una rigorosissima preparazione, non mostra cedimenti nelle esigenze tecniche, plasma con sicurezza un materiale vocale dall’impasto denso e scuro, piazza acuti robusti; quindi, si può facilmente immaginare che l’esperienza potrà fare il resto.
Rossana Paliaga, Opera Click
The young Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina celebrates her acclaimed Salzburg debut as the great discovery of the evening in the role of Romeo. Her voice possesses personal quality in timbre, has a warm round sound without sharpness up to the fabulous heights, is carrying and technically excellently conducted. In addition, piano and forte passages are well balanced.
Elisabeth Aumiller, pnp.de
Aigul Akhmetshina
Mezzo Soprano
