Spotlight on Nicky Spence: Headliner at Thaxted Festival

26/02/2025

Image © Ki Price

Thaxted Festival is delighted to welcome Nicky Spence, one of the most exciting and celebrated tenors of our time, to the 2025 season. A charismatic performer with a voice that captivates audiences worldwide, Nicky’s extraordinary talent and engaging stage presence make him a must-see artist this summer.

A Voice That Transcends Borders

Winner of the BBC Music Magazine Personality of the Year 2022, Royal Philharmonic Society Singer Award 2024, and recently honoured with an OBE for services to music, Nicky Spence has become a force in the classical world. Whether performing at Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, or the Paris Opera, his ability to bring depth and emotion to his roles has earned him international acclaim.

Known for his exceptional interpretations of Janáček’s music, Nicky has also taken on major Wagnerian roles, including his recent debut as Parsifal with the Hallé Orchestra under Sir Mark Elder. His recordings have won numerous accolades, including Gramophone’s Solo Vocal Award and the BBC Music Magazine Vocal Award.

Beyond the opera house, Nicky is on a mission to make classical music more accessible. He has reached new audiences through TV programmes like Anyone Can Sing and Sing When You’re Winning on Sky Arts, and as the host of ENO’s podcast, Opera Actually.

A Personal and Powerful Performance at Thaxted Festival

🎵 My Father’s Son – Sunday 22 June 2025, 6.00pm

For his Thaxted Festival recital, Nicky presents a deeply personal programme exploring father-son relationships. Featuring music by Schumann, Fauré, Howells, Victoria Wood, Tim Minchin, André Previn and more, the evening promises an emotionally charged journey through song. He is joined by pianist Dylan Perez, his husband and long-time musical collaborator, making this performance even more intimate and special.

Experience Nicky Spence Live

Whether you're a lifelong classical music fan or discovering opera for the first time, this is an unmissable opportunity to see one of the world’s finest tenors in the stunning surroundings of Thaxted Church. Mark your calendars, as general booking for the festival opens on 31 March!

🎟️ Discover more about this performance and the full festival programme here: Thaxted Festival Events Page

BACK TO BLOG