Aida Garifullina, with her captivating presence and vocal prowess, stands as a shining beacon in the world of opera. Born in the culturally rich environment of Kazan in 1987, her musical journey was shaped by the early influence of her mother, a choirmaster and pianist. This nurturing sparked a lifelong passion for music and performance, evident from her debut at the tender age of five in a televised Moscow singing competition. Aida's journey continued across borders, her talent honed in the halls of Nuremberg, and later at The University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. Her momentous victory at Placido Domingo’s 2013 Operalia Competition, not only cemented her reputation but also led to her frequent performances at the esteemed Vienna Staatsoper.
Her celestial voice and compelling performances have resonated through the grandeur spaces of the world’s leading opera houses and concert venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House. Under the batons of legendary conductors such as Valery Gergiev, Zubin Mehta, and Placido Domingo himself, Aida has delivered performances that have etched her name in the halls of operatic greatness. Her success isn't confined to the opera stage; she’s a celebrated recording artist, her solo album 'AIDA' winning accolades and her contribution to Rimsky Korsakov’s 'The Golden Cockerel' earning her a Grammy nomination. Additionally, her collaboration with Andrea Bocelli on the album 'Si' showcased her versatility, aligning her with mainstream artists and winning hearts on a global scale.
Aida's charm and vocal elegance transcend the traditional boundaries of opera, captivating a wider, modern audience. Her performance alongside Robbie Williams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup ceremonies demonstrated her universal appeal, with over a billion people witnessing her musical grace. Furthermore, her presence in the film world, notably appearing in 'Florence Foster Jenkins', allowed her to merge her operatic passion with cinema, working with icons like Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. Whether performing at landmark events such as the BBC Proms or Carmina Burana at the Forbidden City, her voice has become an ambassador of opera to the world, earning praise and admiration from both critics and fans alike.
Despite her meteoric rise and busy schedule, Aida Garifullina remains deeply connected to her roots and committed to humanitarian causes. Her charitable work extends from local foundations in her hometown of Kazan to international organisations, emphasising her compassionate and empathetic nature. Her recognition as GQ magazine's Super Woman Of The Year in Culture in 2021 is a testament not only to her artistic achievements but also her profound impact on society. As she prepares for upcoming large-scale music projects, the world waits in anticipation, knowing well that Aida Garifullina’s next act will be nothing short of extraordinary.
