Nicky Spence trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the National Opera Studio. Following operatic success in the UK, Spence has enjoyed many international débuts including the Opéra de Paris, La Monnaie, Opera Frankfurt, Seattle Opera, De Nederlandse Opera and The Met, New York. He has collaborated with many leading artists and has recorded extensively.

Nicky Spence was nominated by the International Opera Awards for Young Singer of the Year in 2015 and was also included in The Times Breakthrough Award at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards celebrating the best up and coming young British talent from across the arts.