Kazakh Opera Singer Aigerim Altynbek Wins Prestigious Italian Competition, Secures La Scala Contract
Aigerim Altynbek, a 28-year-old opera singer from Kazakhstan, won the prestigious CLIP competition in Italy last year, earning four awards including first prize and the audience award. She became the first Kazakh singer to secure a contract with Teatro Alla Scala in Milan, one of Europe's most renowned opera houses. Her achievement represents a significant milestone for Kazakh representation in Europe's classical music scene.
Aigerim Altynbek, born in the village of Akay in Kazakhstan's Kyzylorda Region, has risen to prominence in the international opera world after winning the CLIP competition in Italy, which tests hundreds of contestants across three rounds requiring performances in Italian, French, Spanish, and English. In addition to first prize, she won the audience award, best female voice award, and a special music critic's prize, along with a contract at La Scala in Milan—making her the first Kazakh singer to perform on that stage. Her musical journey began at age five under her mother's tutelage, continued through four years at a music school in Baikonur, and was formally recognized as operatic talent by teacher Firuza Argynbaeva in college. Since then, she has won numerous international competitions, including first place at an opera competition commemorating Giacomo Puccini's centenary and third place at the Nikolai Ghiaurov International Opera Competition. Beyond her professional achievements, Altynbek emphasizes her commitment to promoting Kazakh culture in Europe by incorporating Kazakh folk songs into her concert programs.
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- EuronewsCenter
Launched from Baikonur to stardom: the opera singer reaching Europe's biggest stages
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