Here’s a Scottish tenor you’ll be happy to accept – it’s Nicky Spence, whose voice has taken him from Dumfries and across the globe. Now he joins WNO for their new production of The Makropulos Affair by Janáček, which also launches WNO’s autumn season at Cardiff‘s Wales Millenium Centre and beyond. James Ellis treated Nicky to a quickfire Q&A.

WNO’s The Makropulos Affair is a rarity in Wales. What can we expect from the opera?

Nicky Spence: It’s basically a hybrid between Murder She Wrote, Cher’s final tour, Heir Hunters and Death Becomes Her. It’s a fantastic story which, unlike most operas, happens in real-time – like a fast-paced whodunnit, but set to the most incredible music in Czech, which is such an expressive language.  

What’s the most insightful remark anyone has said to you about your singing?

Nicky Spence: Many folks have said that I sound like ‘me’. I know it’s a strange thing to say, but with so many recordings around, singing as yourself can often feel like you’re serving your soul on a dinner plate – so that’s a great compliment to me. 

What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you on stage?

Nicky Spence: Choosing between my funny stage anecdotes is like choosing between one’s favourite children. Forgetting my flute in the wings during The Magic Flute just as I went onstage was a special moment. I ended up choreographing a sensual flute-like gesture instead… mortifying! 

Which musician influences you the most?

Nicky Spence: It’s a tossup between the marvellous heldentenor Jon Vickers, Nicolai Gedda and Jennifer Lopez for her work ethic.

What would your dream vacation be?

Nicky Spence: Anything with my husband and our dog, Glen. Could be St Ives or St Lucia as long as they’re there and I don’t have to sing a note.

Favourite opera and concert piece to sing in? 

Nicky Spence: Britten’s Peter Grimes is the ultimate opera for me… it’s sparkling, at the top of my wishlist. In concert, I adore Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass, which he wrote with his usual flurried flair with huge forces in mind. 

What are you currently reading? 

Nicky Spence: Not original, but Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen. I love the world she evokes: it’s like having a mini-break every night. 

What’s the most demanding role you’ve played?

All demanding for different reasons but I’d say Siegmund in Die Walküre as the character doesn’t stop singing for about an hour and a half; and Alwa in Berg’s masterpiece Lulu because the writing is so extreme. I love a challenge, though, and I always learn so much when I take on a demanding piece.

WNO’s The Makropulos Affair, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Fri 16, Fri 23 + Wed 28 Sept. Tickets: £17-£66/£5 under-16s. Info: here; Venue Cymru, Llandudno, Fri 14 Oct. Tickets: £22-£52. Info: here. Touring England thereafter.

words JAMES ELLIS