Monday 24th April 2006
Nicky Spence is a music student who has just received a full post-graduate scholarship to continue his studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. But unlike many of his fellow students, Nicky has a major label recording contract, and is looking forward to going into the studio to record his first album which will be released in Spring 2006.
Enamoured by music and entertaining from a young age, Nicky’s path to a record deal has been one of excellence. Born in Dumfriesshire in 1983, Nicky won his first competition at the age of 14 (the Dumfries and Galloway Young Musician of the Year Award), and hasn’t looked back since. A short stint working at the local ‘chippy’ after school only helped him set his finances straight before going to Wallace Hall Academy in Dumfriesshire, where he continued his musical education, discovering a love of classical music, performing and a great affection for the Scottish songs of his upbringing. Singing in various productions and professional public concerts (including a steady stream of Caledonian club gigs!), Scotland began to notice one of its sons beginning to make a name for himself.
Winning a place as the youngest singer at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, on leaving school, marked the start of Nicky’s journey towards the top tier of professional singers. Since arriving there, Nicky has been the youngest finalist of the esteemed Gold Medal Competition, he has won numerous competitions including the extremely prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Young Singers Award and has appeared in many very well received, high profile performances. Perhaps prime amongst these was his involvement in a version of Peter Grimes with the Berlin Philharmonic at the Salzburg Festival, where he had the opportunity to work with Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Trevor Nunn. He is also involved in projects with Graham Johnson, Ellie Ameling, Langridge, The Samling Foundation and The Britten Pears School – impressive collaborators for a 22-year-old lad from Dumfries !
Over the course of his studies, Nicky has been heavily influenced and guided by top-class teachers, Ryland Davies and namely Rudolf Piernay, a vocal teacher, who also taught Bryn Terfel. Nicky has also had considerable experience in all operatic, recital and oratorio fields, and is increasingly in high demand and being considered as one of the finest singers of his generation. But on top of his obvious talent, Nicky is a natural performer whose gift to move an audience alongside his generous nature and infectious enthusiasm communicate themselves to all who watch him perform and indeed, work with him.
And whilst he’s busy working with the leading lights in his profession, he never forgets where he comes from: Nicky Spence is a great Scot in the making, with the ability, talent and personality to make it to the very top. Expect big things from Nicky’s debut album produced by Chris Hazell (Bryn Terfel, Pavarotti, Renee Fleming and Aled Jones) which will be released in last quarter of 2006.
David Jensen Photography:
https://www.davidjensen.co.uk/
