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  • Amy Manford

    Amy Manford

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Amy Manford

Bachelor of Music, 2014
Graduate Diploma of Music, 2015

Whether it’s singing at Buckingham Palace in front of royalty or performing the national anthem at the AFL Grand Final – it’s all in a day’s work for Amy Manford.

Graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor of Music in 2014 followed by a Graduate Diploma of Music in 2015, the internationally renowned Soprano looks back at her time at ECU fondly.

“I chose to study at WAAPA because I think it is the best place to study performing arts in Australia,” Amy explains. “It was so much fun. I made such amazing friends - lifelong friendships that have lasted until this day.

“I have fond, lovely memories (from my time at WAAPA). I had endless fun on and off the stage with all my classmates!”

After honing her craft at WAAPA, it wasn’t long before Amy’s talent was recognised on the world stage.

In 2019 Amy landed what is recognised as the leading role in the world of musical theatre, playing Christine in Phantom of the Opera on London’s West End for two years.

But it was touring with famed tenor Andrea Bocelli that Amy rates as her biggest career highpoint to date.

“There's been a few career highlights for me,” Amy says. “Singing at the AFL Grand Final was awesome. Singing at Buckingham Palace for Prince Charles was pretty crazy, and playing Christine in Phantom of the Opera.

“But for me, I have to say the highlight was definitely performing at the Hollywood Bowl with Andrea Bocelli, because when I was younger, I literally used to sing karaoke with his voice on YouTube.

“And then all of a sudden I'm with the actual person on this giant stage for thousands of people - it was pretty insane.”

Proving she is just as impressive offstage, Amy has co-founded a highly successful production company, MM Creative Productions, which has toured productions nationally. The magic will continue this year, bringing Disney favourites to life through Disney in Concert, with upcoming shows at the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne. Amy was honoured to be named “Marie Claire creative woman of the year” in 2023 after co-producing and performing in Disney’s 100th anniversary concerts around Australia.

“It feels pretty amazing to perform at iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House - it just feels so surreal,” Amy says.
“It's been a huge dream since I was young - it's just a pinch me moment every time I sing there and to be producing a show there, is just crazy.”

In late 2024, Amy was awarded the winner of ECU’s Young Alumni Award for her incredible achievements and being an extraordinary ambassador for ECU.

“I have so much advice for young performers, but I'm going to keep it short,” she laughs. “I think that it's really important to not compare your journey to anyone else's.

“I think everyone makes their own path. There's no right or wrong way to do anything, and it's helpful to remember that we're just all little ants on a floating ball in the middle of space, and we're just here to have fun and be happy.”

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