Aigul Akhmetshina

Aigul Akhmetshina is a Russian operatic mezzo-soprano.

Early life and education
Akhmetshina was raised in a small village in the Republic of Bashkortostan in the Russian Federation. Though a Russian citizen, she stated in an interview with The Times in 2024 that "I'm not Russian", and expressed a desire to become a British citizen. Her family were amateur singers, and encouraged her talent. After being refused the opportunity to study music at a Moscow university, she gained a place on the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House in London.

Career
On New Year's Eve 2023, Akhmetshina appeared in the title role in Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera. She was described by Zachary Woolfe of the New York Times as "the only truly impressive aspect" of the production. In 2024, Akhmetshina appeared in the same opera and role at the Royal Opera House.

Recordings
Akhmetshina's first album, titled Aigul is due to be released on 26 July 2024, on the Decca Classics label.