Biography
Amanda Windred, an accomplished Australian soprano, has mesmerised audiences globally with her powerful voice and dramatic prowess. Her career encompasses a diverse range of roles, each highlighting her versatility and dedication to the art of opera.
Amanda made her international debut in 2016 at the Miami Music Festival, portraying Mrs. Grose in "Turn of the Screw." She returned to the international stage in 2022, performing as Nella in "Gianni Schicchi" at the Berlin Opernfest. Recently, in 2023, Amanda impressed audiences as Vava in "Melbourne, Cheremushki" at Victorian Opera and joined Melbourne Opera's prestigious Richard Divall Emerging Artist Programme for the 2023-2024 season. Her notable roles also include Elektra in "Elektra" with Dramatic Voices Berlin (2024), Marcellina in "The Marriage of Figaro" with Melbourne Opera (2024), and Zweite Magd in "Elektra" with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (2014).
In addition to her impressive roles, Amanda has served as a cover artist for productions such as Alisa in “Lucia di Lammermoor” with Melbourne Opera (2024), Anna in "Maria Stuarda" with Melbourne Opera (2023), and Turandot in "Turandot" with Opera Australia (2015), demonstrating her adaptability and depth of vocal talent.
Amanda's journey as a soprano was shaped by rigorous training and education. She studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, earning her Advanced Diploma of Opera in 2011 and a Graduate Diploma of Music in 2012. She furthered her education with a Masters of Music Studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University, graduating with Academic Excellence in 2013. Amanda also attended the Lisa Gasteen National Opera School from 2012 to 2013 and honed her skills at the Miami Music Festival in 2016 and the Berlin Opera Academy in 2022.
Her captivating voice has graced various concert stages, allowing her to connect intimately with audiences. Notable performances include Alto Soloist in Handel’s "Messiah" with Melbourne Opera and Essendon Choral Society (2023), Soloist in "Villains and Valkyries" with Willoughby Symphony Orchestra (2023), and Soloist in "Joyeux Noël" (2022). She has also performed as a soloist in "Opera at Langford" with Opera Northwest (2017), "The Food of Love" with Queensland Symphony Orchestra (2014), the "Verdi and Wagner" concert with QLD Choir and QUMS (2013), and "Swords and Storms" with NSW Wagner Society (2013).
Throughout her career, Amanda has collaborated with renowned teachers, conductors, directors, and coaches who have profoundly influenced her artistic development. Esteemed mentors include Christine Goerke, Lisa Gasteen, and Dr. Rowena Cowley; conductors Simon Bruckard, Carlos Spierer, and Benjamin Northey; directors Kate Millett, Constantine Costi, and Nic Muni; and coaches Raymond Lawrence, Caren Levine, and Arthur Levy.
Amanda Windred's journey from her early education to international stages is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the world of opera. With a remarkable voice and a commitment to her craft, she continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.In 2023, she impressed audiences as the character of Vava in "Melbourne, Cheremushki" at Victorian Opera and joined the prestigious Richard Divall Emerging Artist Programme with Melbourne Opera for the 23-24 season.
Amanda's latest international debut occurred in 2022 when she portrayed Nella in "Gianni Schicchi" at the Berlin Opernfest. However she first graced the international stage when she performed as Mrs. Grose in "Turn of the Screw" at the Miami Music Festival in 2016.
Amanda's talent extends beyond her impressive list of roles, as she has served as a cover artist for significant productions. Notably, she took on the roles of Anna in "Maria Stuarda" with Melbourne Opera in 2023 and Turandot in "Turandot" with Opera Australia in 2015. These opportunities have allowed her to demonstrate her adaptability and the depth of her vocal prowess.
Amanda's journey as a soprano was cultivated through years of rigorous training and education. She began her studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, earning her Advanced Diploma of Opera in 2011. Her dedication to the art form led her to further educational pursuits, including a Graduate Diploma of Music from the same institution in 2012. She also pursued her Masters of Music Studies at the QLD Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University, in 2013 where she graduated with Academic Excellence.
Amanda's thirst for learning and improvement eventually led her to the Lisa Gasteen National Opera School from 2012 to 2013 and in 2016, she honed her skills at the Miami Music Festival. In 2022, she continued her artistic development at the Berlin Opera Academy. Her education laid the foundation for the remarkable career she enjoys today.
Amanda's enchanting voice has graced various concert stages, allowing her to connect with audiences in a more intimate setting. She has performed as a soloist in concerts such as "Joyeux Noël" in 2022 and "Opera at Langford" with Opera Northwest in 2017. Her collaboration with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for "The Food of Love" in 2014 showcased her versatility. In 2013, she enthralled audiences with a performance in the "Verdi and Wagner" concert alongside the QLD Choir and QUMS, as well as "Swords and Storms" with the NSW Wagner Society.
Throughout her career, Amanda Windred has had the privilege of working with renowned teachers, conductors, directors, and coaches who have played pivotal roles in her artistic development. Figures such as Christine Goerke, Lisa Gasteen, Dr. Rowena Cowley, Anthony Manoli, and Benjamin Northey have provided invaluable guidance. Directors including Kate Millett, Constantine Costi, and Nic Muni have brought her characters to life on stage, while coaches such as Raymond Lawrence, Bradley Gilchrist and Caren Levine have nurtured her vocal talent and artistry.
Amanda Windred's journey from her early education to international stages is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the world of opera. With a remarkable voice and a commitment to her craft, she continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.