Nicky Spence joins Help Musicians as an ambassador

Having studied extensively and forged a phenomenal career on opera stages around the world, Nicky’s depth of experience will be vital in helping us support musicians across the breadth of their needs; especially at such a crucial moment as we mark our centenary year, and work to support musicians back into live performance following the unprecedented pandemic crisis. 

Nicky was supported by the charity at the start of his professional journey when he received financial support to study at Guildhall School of Music & Drama and The National Opera Studio. Since graduating and building his career he has been a passionate advocate for the breadth of Help Musicians’ work, even raising over £25,000 as part of a Glasgow to London charity bike ride.

Nicky said: ​“It’s fair to say that I would simply not be enjoying a career if it weren’t for the support of Help Musicians. Coming from a working-class background, it was not the obvious choice for me to become a classical musician but their support endorsed me on my path and I’ve been compelled to give back ever since. They have been an extraordinary force for good during the pandemic and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.” 

On August 16, as part of this year’s BBC Proms season, Nicky joins a host of British opera stars, including fellow Help Musicians ambassador Natalya Romaniw, with the BBC Philharmonic to perform excerpts from Beethoven’s only opera Fidelio. Elsewhere, Nicky will be sharing his talents with the wider world when he tries to prove Anyone Can Sing as part of a new Sky Arts show alongside the English National Opera. 

The 2021/22 season sees him make his role debut as Siegmund in a new production of The Valkyrie for English National Opera directed by Richard Jones and conducted by Martyn Brabbins. He also returns to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden as Laca in Claus Guth’s new production of Jenůfa conducted by Henrik Nánási and as Samson in Richard Jones’ new production of Samson et Dalila opposite Elīna Garanča and conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano. Nicky also makes his debut at the Deutsche Staatsoper as Gregor in The Makropulos Case, in another new production by Claus Guth and conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.