Aida Garifullina

When Tatar-born soprano Aida Garifullina released her debut album, Aida, in 2017, she had already established a reputation as a major up-and-coming opera star in both Russia and the West. Garifullina studied at the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts. She made her debut in 2009 in a conservatory production of Mozart's Così fan tutte. After graduating in 2011, she attracted the attention of conductor Valery Gergiev and was cast in various roles at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. She won first prize in the Operalia competition in 2013, which opened up new opportunities for the young singer. Signed to the Decca label, she released a collection of arias, songs, and pieces reflecting her Central Asian heritage. ~ James Manheim