Aigul Akhmetshina to Star in Met's New 'Carmen'

The Russian mezzo-soprano's journey from a small village to the Metropolitan Opera stage has been marked by adversity and triumph.

Aigul Akhmetshina, a 27-year-old mezzo-soprano from Russia, is set to star in the Metropolitan Opera's new production of Bizet's 'Carmen' opening on New Year's Eve.
Akhmetshina's journey to the Met has been marked by numerous challenges, including financial struggles, a car accident that left her unable to sing for months, and initial rejections from music conservatories.
Despite these setbacks, Akhmetshina has been praised for her 'rich and gorgeous voice, strong theatrical instincts and presence' by Met general manager Peter Gelb, who has already hired her for future roles.
The new production of 'Carmen' is directed by Carrie Cracknell and moves the action from 19th century Seville to post-industrialist America.
The production runs through January 27, with a matinee on that date being broadcast Live in HD to movie theaters worldwide.