Nicola Mills

Sharing opera with soul, heart and humor

Nothing lights up Nicola Mill’s heart like singing for people. Her love affair with voice began at age 15, when a kind stranger gifted her free singing lessons—and introduced her to the emotional power of opera. Since then, Nicola has devoted her life to using her voice not just on the great stages of Europe, but in living rooms, village halls, festivals, street corners, and sacred spaces where hearts are open and connection matters more than applause.

Training and touring through europe’s grand stages

Nicola trained for six years at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and was chosen by baritone Sir Thomas Allen for The Samling Foundation’s elite masterclasses. She launched her professional career at Glyndebourne Festival Opera—one of her most cherished artistic homes—before moving to Amsterdam to perform with the Dutch National Opera. She also took the stage at Het Concertgebouw, Het Theater Carré, and appeared on Dutch national TV. From there, her career extended to Belgium with The Flemish Opera and later to Monaco with Opera Monte Carlo.

Opera for the People: music that meets you where you are

Nicola’s performances go far beyond traditional opera houses. While living in Belgium, she began singing in public spaces under the name The Down-to-Earth Diva—a title that quickly evolved into her beloved project, Opera for the People. Her intention was simple: to bring joy and connection through song, no matter the setting. Whether in a castle in Germany or a champagne house in Reims, Nicola invited audiences to choose their songs from her Song Menu, a vibrant mix of opera classics, musical theatre, and even her playful Pavarotti Pop section.

A soprano with a suitcase—and a story

Nicola’s journey eventually took her to New York, where she wrote and performed her own show, A Soprano and a Suitcase—a heartfelt, humorous tale of music, movement, and making art on your own terms. Her latest creation, A Spoonful of Julie, is a loving tribute to Julie Andrews. Co-written with Stuart Barham, former musical director of Cats (with Elaine Paige), the show blends favorite Julie moments with Nicola’s rich voice and natural warmth.

Creating connection, one note at a time

From community halls to charity fundraisers, Nicola continues to perform for audiences across the UK and beyond. Her upcoming shows span local festivals, village churches, and civic venues—all infused with her signature sparkle and grounded charm. Whether singing to a crowd of hundreds or one person on a park bench, Nicola holds a simple philosophy: no stage is too small, no listener too ordinary.

Read, listen, connect

Nicola documents her musical life on the move through her blog A Soprano, a Suitcase and a Rucksack—a collection of stories, reflections, and delightful detours from the road. For event bookings or personal invitations to sing, reach out directly at nicolamillsthesinger@hotmail.co.uk. Nicola Mill doesn’t just sing opera. She humanizes it, democratizes it, and turns every performance into a celebration of shared humanity.