Click here to read the article in full. Page 20.

Nicky has also been named as Editor’s choice in Classical Music Magazine this month for his recent release of Turnage Premieres. Read the full review below.

Watch this space for some exciting news regarding Nicky’s upcoming Operatic appearances!

“…superb artistry…with pungent playing from Chamber Domaine…and the agile voice of tenor Nicky Spence. The song cycle A Constant Obsession…all crafted and performed lovingly, right down to Spence’s carefully rolled ‘r’ in the word ripening.”

Geoff Brown, The Times Jan 13th 2012

  ”With the underlying theme of unrequited love, it’s music to make you take notice rather than to enjoy and it receives a powerful performance. Dare I upset fans of Peter Pears by saying that I’d like to hear Nicky Spence now in preference to him in that Britten Serenade?”

Brian Wilson, Music Web Jan 2012

Available now. Click here to buy.

Don’t forget that Nicky’s most recent CD ‘A Constant Obsession’ is available now on Resonus Classics . Feel free to leave your thoughts about it in Nicky’s Guestbook. We’d love to know what you think…

Here’s to a great 2012!

LISTEN AGAIN HERE

‘…a work easy on the ear and breathing fresh British air, with Nicky Spence leading full-scale forces under Ronald Corp.’

Gramophone – Andrew Lamb, December 2011

‘Tenor Nicky Spence is stalwart and dashing; his nobly patriotic Act I ballad ‘Englishmen by Birth’ rings out proudly. He romances Marian tenderly and his duets with Marian such as their ‘Good Night, Love’ are lovingly affecting. ‘

Music Web International – Ian Lace, November 2011

A metaphysical battle between good and evil fought out aboard a British man-o’-war, Britten’s richly orchestrated all-male opera was originally commissioned for the 1951 Festival of Britain and is considered to be one of the composer’s finest works.

Nicky will be making his role debut as the Novice alongside Benedict Nelson as Billy, Matthew Rose as Claggart, the malevolent master-at-arms, and Toby Spence as Vere, the morally conflicted captain, this new staging reunites the award-winning director-conductor partnership of David Alden and ENO’s own Edward Gardner.

For more information or for tickets visit -

http://www.eno.org

Following his hit earlier in the year of Anne Nicole – The Opera, Turnage is in high-demand around the world as one of the UK’s greatest musical exports and this newest collaboration marked the premiere recording of this special new work, which is due to be released later in the year on Resonance Records.

Watch this space!

Robin Hood is available on Naxos in all good classical record stores and on ITunes now.

Hope you enjoy the small audio sample below.

ROBIN HOOD – click me to listen

Hohepa is a large-scale opera written by Jenny McLoed is based on the true story of a friendship between a Maori chief and a Pakeha settler during the New Zealand Wars will be one of the standout shows in next year’s International Arts Festival.

Nicky will create the role of Thomas Mason alongside some legendary New Zealand Artists including rising star Jonathan Lemalu, accompanied by a specially selected group of musicians, conducted by Marc Taddei.

“…with Nicky Spence in fine form as the wicked ghost Peter Quint, this was a great opportunity to see one the fastest rising stars on the British opera scene.”

Daily Express – William Hartston 26 August 2011

“(The Turn of the Screw) …caught the eye by announcing two of opera’s bright young things in the principal adult roles. Both Elizabeth Llewellyn and Nicky Spence have seen their stock rise rapidly in 2011, she as Mimi in English National Opera’s La bohème and as the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro at Holland Park, he as one of Nico Muhly’s Two Boys at ENO.”

“Spence’s great quality is a rich legato that he sustains and moderates with easy control. The ghostly Quint is therefore a good role for him, and the melismatic evil of his siren call to Miles echoed hypnotically around the little auditorium at the climax to Act One.”

“The evening began well with an exceptionally long-breathed Prologue, delivered by Spence in full Quint regalia.”

www.WhatsOnStage.com  -   Mark Valencia  23 August 2011