Nafset Chenib

The life of Nafset (“bestowing light” in the Adyghe language) is a remarkable story of dedication, perseverance, and achievement against all odds.

She was born blind in a remote aul (village) in Adygea, a traditional patriarchal community in Russia's North Caucasus. From those humble beginnings, she went on to build a successful career as an opera and crossover singer of international caliber. She won a number of international voice competitions, and performed solo with world-renowned orchestras such as Vladimir Spivakov’s “Moscow Virtuosi”, the Svetlanov State Symphony Orchestra, and the Bolshoi Theater Chamber Orchestra. Her notable achievements include headlining the closing ceremony of the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia, alongside the great José Carreras. As a teenage prodigy, she was a member of the elite UNESCO Children’s Choir performing with global stars such as Montserrat Caballé, Angela Gheorghiu, and Roberto Alagna, in front of elite audiences and dignitaries including Pope John Paul II.

Along the way, Nafset graduated with highest honors from the Moscow Academy of Choral Arts, and from a Professional Studies program at the Manhattan School of Music. She also trained with international opera luminaries including Mirella Freni and Jennifer Larmore. She is an Honoured Artist of the Republic of Adygea, a recipient of the Pablo Casals Award for Musical Accomplishment and Human Endeavor, and of many other national and international accolades.