Nicky Spence on his time with BYO

Before he was an international star and BYO vice president, Nicky played Tom Rakewell in our The Rake’s Progress. We thought it was time to catch up with him (and maybe there’s a clue there about our 2026 summer programme).

What kind of role do you think BYO does/can/should play in the opera industry and the careers of young singers, directors, stage managers etc?

BYO offers the professional conditions to lift your career to the next level. We hopefully equip these young professionals with the skills they need to be employed in an ever changing landscape. I’m so happy to be part of the future support team for singers trained in the UK who are always so exciting to work with!

What do you think BYO gave you that you might not have received elsewhere?

I guess it was the first time I was really endorsed as a potential product for the market and an important artist even if I was very much in embryo. Being able to cultivate your confidence or learn some hard truths in that environment is extremely worthwhile.

How did training with BYO help prepare you for the professional opera world?

BYO found the perfect alchemy of creating a professional experience but with enough room to grow and learn in a safe environment. I felt as if I knew how the inner-workings of a UK company worked so there were a few less surprises when I worked professionally.

It’s also where I learned so many important lessons about how to conduct myself as a professional in terms of rehearsal room etiquette, sharing skills and preparation.

Can you share a memorable behind-the-scenes story from your BYO days?

Ah, the heady days! I remember the socialising as being incredibly fun which must have transferred to stage. The two shows I was in – Flight and The Rake’s Progress – were such ensemble pieces that we bonded incredibly well as a cast. While not every job is like that, it made a blueprint for what is possible in an ensemble cast.

Did you form professional relationships or friendships at BYO that have lasted through your career?

BYO gave me a huge leg up in the opera business namely as it’s where I met one of my first agents and where I met some of the best colleagues, a lot of whom I still work with today.

What does being a Vice President of BYO mean to you, especially in terms of supporting the next generation of singers?

I’ve always been keen to give back to a company who gave me so much which is a privilege. I’m always lucky as a busy working singing in today’s ecosystem of opera that I can see what is required and I’m happy to offer some of that insight to the next generation. Of course, that’s reciprocal too and there’s always a great deal for me to learn from working with young people.