Amy J Payne is a mezzo-soprano, actor, teacher, workshop leader and stage director based in Leeds, UK. Originally from South Devon, Amy trained at Guildhall School of Music & Drama where she was awarded the English Song Prize. She is also a Samling Scholar and holds a BA (Hons) in French & German from King’s College, London, where she was a choral scholar.

Described by Bachtrack in 2023 as “one of the best comprimarios on the circuit”, Amy has appeared as a guest artist with many of the UK’s leading opera companies.

Opera season highlights in 24/25 include: Bobylikha The Snowmaiden, Mezzo Soloist Do not take my story for a fairytale (ETO), Olga The Merry Widow (Scottish Opera/Opera Holland Park), Ruth The Pirates of Penzance (National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company). She will make her debut at Welsh National Opera in Autumn 25 as Old Lady in Candide.

Away from mainstage opera, she made her recital debut this year for Opera North in their Kirklees Concert Season and at Howard Assembly Room with violinist, Susannah Simmons and pianist, Philip Voldman, continues to tour nationally Frau, that’s what I call music!, her co-curated cabaret with composer and performer Anna Pool, and returned to the cast of Charles Court Opera’s annual boutique pantomime at Jermyn Street Theatre in London’s West End.

Amy works regularly both as a workshop deviser and facilitator for various community groups, choirs and opera companies nationwide, including Opera North and English Touring Opera. She is equally at home working with adults or children and runs a private vocal teaching practice from her home in Leeds.

Amy is delighted to be assisting Victoria Briggs directing The Vanishing Forest in Spring 2025 and Molly Farley directing Little Terror in Autumn 25, both for ETO.

For more information, please visit: www.amyjpayne.com