Biography
Amanda Windred is an accomplished soprano celebrated for her versatility, dramatic prowess, and ability to bring complex characters to life. Her career reflects a dedication to excellence, from her commanding stage presence to her rich vocal artistry.
In 2024, Amanda captivated audiences as Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro and covered the role of Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor with Melbourne Opera. She also attended the Dramatic Voices Program in Berlin, where she workshopped the title role in Strauss’ Elektra. In addition, she joined Forest Collective as a core group member, expanding her artistic horizons in the contemporary music scene. Amanda continues her association with Melbourne Opera as a 2024-2025 Richard Divall Emerging Artist, contributing to their productions with her exceptional talent.
Amanda’s 2024 season also featured the critically acclaimed Villains and Valkyries concerts, conducted by Sarah Penicka-Smith. These performances, sponsored by the NSW Wagner Society, showcased Amanda singing three roles: two Walküren from Wagner’s Die Walküre and Mary from Der fliegende Holländer.
Her 2025 season promises further highlights, beginning with an apprentice role in Melbourne Opera’s production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg in February. She will also perform the role of Helen in the Australian premiere of Fat Pig in June, a collaboration between Forest Collective, BK Opera, and fortyfivedownstairs.
In 2023, Amanda delivered a standout performance as Vava in Melbourne, Cheremushki with Victorian Opera while continuing to develop her artistry as a Richard Divall Emerging Artist. That year, she also covered the roles of Alisa in Lucia di Lammermoor and Anna in Maria Stuarda, showcasing her adaptability and dramatic depth.
Amanda’s international journey began in 2016 when she made her debut as Mrs Grose in Turn of the Screw at the Miami Music Festival. She further cemented her international presence in 2022, performing as Nella in Gianni Schicchi with Berlin Opernfest. Closer to home, her early career included covering the role of Turandot in Opera Australia’s production of Turandot in 2015.
Her impressive career is built on a foundation of rigorous training. Amanda studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, earning an Advanced Diploma of Opera in 2011 and a Graduate Diploma of Music in 2012. She then pursued a Master of Music Studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University, graduating in 2013 with Academic Excellence. Amanda further honed her craft at the Lisa Gasteen National Opera School (2012-2013), the Miami Music Festival (2016), the Berlin Opera Academy (2022), and most recently, the Dramatic Voices Program in Berlin (2024).
In addition to opera, Amanda has excelled on the concert stage. She has performed as a soloist in Joyeux Noël (2022) and Opera at Langford with Opera Northwest (2017). Other highlights include collaborating with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for The Food of Love (2014) and performing in the Verdi and Wagner concert with the Queensland Choir and QUMS (2013). Amanda also performed in Swords and Storms with the NSW Wagner Society, further underlining her connection to Wagner’s repertoire.
From her early education to her performances on international stages, Amanda Windred’s journey reflects her passion and dedication to opera. With an ever-expanding repertoire and a compelling voice, she continues to inspire audiences and aims to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.