Kazakh Operatic Artist Clinches First Place at Global Contest Held in Italy
In the picturesque town of Portofino, Italy, the 11th International Opera Competition CLIP 2025 took place. Among the 200 applications from around the globe, one performer stood out, capturing the hearts of the audience and the judges alike - Aigerim Altynbek, a talented Kazakh soprano.
Altynbek's exceptional performance earned her multiple prestigious awards, including first prize, the Audience (Emotion) Award, Best Female Voice, and the Critics' Award. Significantly, she received the Best Female Voice award from the Ibáñez-Atkinson Foundation, a Chilean organisation that supports emerging vocalists worldwide and collaborates with major opera houses. This recognition marks the first time the foundation has supported a non-European singer in South America, offering Altynbek professional recommendation and an invitation for future collaborations, a significant step in expanding her international career beyond Europe.
The Ibáñez-Atkinson Foundation, known for its association with the Santiago Opera House, runs a youth program that nurtures young talents. Altynbek's recognition by this esteemed foundation underscores her potential for greatness in the opera world.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan personally congratulated Altynbek following her win. In a telegram, he expressed that her achievement showcased Kazakh culture to the world and earned recognition from international experts. He also expressed confidence that Altynbek has even greater accomplishments awaiting her in the future.
The finalists of the competition performed in a gala concert accompanied by the Teatro Carlo Felice orchestra in Portofino's central square. Altynbek's performance was commended by Domenic Meyer, jury chair, who commented that she received the Emotion Prize.
Altynbek's international presence is growing, having won previous awards at competitions in Italy and performed alongside renowned artists like Andrea Bocelli. Her victory at the International Opera Competition CLIP 2025 further solidifies her position as a rising star in the opera world, with a promising future ahead.
[1] Ibáñez-Atkinson Foundation supports emerging vocalists globally and collaborates with major opera houses. [2] The Ibáñez-Atkinson Foundation runs a youth program with the Santiago Opera House. [3] Altynbek has a strong international presence, having won previous awards at competitions in Italy and performed alongside renowned artists like Andrea Bocelli. [4] The Ibáñez-Atkinson Foundation is based in Chile and has chosen to support a non-European singer in South America for the first time, with Altynbek being the recipient.
Altynbek's collaboration with major opera houses, facilitated by the Ibáñez-Atkinson Foundation, might lead to captivating performances combining opera classics with modern music, offering a fresh twist on traditional entertainment.
With her international acclaim and performances alongside renowned artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Altynbek's unique blend of opera and contemporary music is gaining attention and could potentially expand the realm of entertainment.
