«They Said I Should Do Something Else»: Kazan Opera Diva Recalls Failed Audition
Aida Garifullina, now an internationally acclaimed opera singer, persevered through early career setbacks to gain global recognition.
Kazan opera diva Aida Garifullina has spoken about her unsuccessful audition at the Jalil Tatar Opera and Ballet Theater.
On the Channel One program «Remember Everything,» Garifullina walked past Kazan«s Freedom Square and through the hall of the Opera and Ballet Theater, sharing details of her audition.
«When I came to the audition at the opera theater, I had already graduated from the University of Vienna and arrived full of excitement. They told me I should do something else, that my voice wasn«t quite right for opera—it»s too chamber-like and probably couldn«t fill the hall,» the opera diva admitted.
Aida said those words made her stronger, even though it was painful at the time.
«For me, it was a turning point as a young artist dreaming of the grand opera stage. Thankfully, my wonderful parents supported me and said: “Everything will work out,”» the singer stated on the show.
Garifullina is from Kazan. Her mother Lyalya was a professional choir conductor, and her father Emil Garifullin was involved in business. At age five, Aida became the youngest participant in a televised vocal competition in Moscow. Several years later, she won a grant from the mayor of Kazan and went to Nuremberg to enhance her skills.
Today, Garifullina is a world-renowned opera singer and recently joined the jury of «The Voice Kids.» Regarding her personal life, the diva is married to singer and actor Alexey Vorobyov from the series «Deffchonki.»
