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 and Mezzo Soloist Do not take my story for a fairytale, both for ETO. She will also return to both Scottish Opera and Opera Holland Park as Olga in a new co-production of The Merry Widow.

Away from mainstage opera, she makes her recital debut this year for Opera North in their Kirklees Concert Season and at Howard Assembly Room with violinist, Susannah Simmons; continues to tour nationally Frau, that’s what I call music!, her co-curated cabaret with composer and performer Anna Pool; and returns 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.

After making her directorial debut as part of the ETO Perform programme in 23/24, Amy will return to this role in 24/25 and is delighted to be assisting Victoria Briggs directing The Vanishing Forest for ETO in Spring 2025.

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