Kazakhstan’s Rising Opera Voice Shines at International Contest in Italy

Rising Kazakh opera talent Aigerim Altynbek has secured a spot in the final round of the 11th Portofino International Opera Contest, one of the most renowned competitions for young opera singers worldwide.

The contest will run till July 27 in the scenic coastal town of Portofino, Italy, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

The singer’s success reflects the nation’s growing global presence in the classical music arena.

Founded in 2015, the competition is open to singers under 32 years old and boasts a highly respected jury comprised of directors from the world’s top opera houses, including La Scala (Milan), Monte-Carlo Opera, Columbus Theatre (Buenos Aires), Royal Theatre (Madrid), and Hessian State Theatre (Wiesbaden).

Aigerim stood out among 92 contestants from nearly 50 countries, progressing through multiple rounds of selection that included preliminary auditions and will culminate in a gala concert at the iconic Piazzetta di Portofino, featuring a live orchestra.

A graduate of the Kazakh National University of Arts, Altynbek studied vocal performance under Associate Professor Tatyana Rudneva. She has claimed numerous awards at both national and international competitions, with performances in Italy, Finland, Lithuania, Russia, and Germany.

In 2023, she took first place at Italy’s Città di Arcore - Giacomo Puccini Opera Singing Competition, further establishing her international reputation. Altynbek has also performed alongside legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli, marking another milestone in her promising career.