Astana (TDI): Rising Kazakh soprano Aigerim Altynbek has taken the top prize at the International Opera Singing Competition of Portofino (CLIP), a major event on the global classical music calendar.
Held in the picturesque Italian harbor town of Portofino, the competition drew contestants from 50 countries, all vying for recognition on one of Europe’s most elegant operatic stages. The event, launched in 2015, is known for spotlighting young talent and launching international careers.
After being announced as the first-place winner on Sunday, Altynbek shared her excitement with followers on social media.
“I want to share some incredibly joyful news with you!” she wrote on Instagram. “This was a truly special experience for me and I believe even greater heights lie ahead.”
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Her victory sparked celebration back home, where Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued a formal message of congratulations.
“This achievement, which has elevated Kazakhstan’s cultural reputation on the world stage, is deeply meaningful,” the president said. “You have made the nation proud and brought our artistic heritage into the global spotlight.”
Altynbek’s triumph comes on the heels of a remarkable summer. Just weeks earlier, she performed a duet with legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in Pompeii, and also shared the stage with Spanish opera icon José Carreras in Astana.
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Already a seasoned performer, she previously won first prize at the Città di Arcore, Giacomo Puccini competition in Italy in 2023. A graduate of the Kazakh National University of Arts, she is now continuing her vocal studies in Italy.
With this latest win, the young soprano’s star appears firmly on the rise, with critics and fans alike expecting to see much more from her on the world’s great opera stages.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
