Organist, pianist, harpsichordist, accompanist and teacher
James the musician
An accomplished solo performer
With over 50 recitals to his name over the last twenty years, James is an experienced and highly regarded recitalist, having performed by invitation in some of the top venues in the UK, including St.Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Kings College, Cambridge.
"A very fine performance indeed..." Dr Stephen Cleobury, Kings College Cambridge
A versatile and dependable musician
Whether accompanying, playing continuo or performing with ensembles, James is a skilled and sensitive professional team player.
"James is a musician who can always be counted upon to deliver memorable performances. His musical interpretation is wonderful and he is a pleasure to work with".
An inspiring teacher & accompanist
James is a successful teacher of keyboard, both piano and organ. He always shares his significant skills and enthusiasm for music with people of all ages and abilities. In his role as a music teacher, he accompanies and supports many children taking examinations and budding organists.
Repertoire
Solo Organ Repertoire
BAROQUE
Major works by JS Bach, Dietrich Buxtehude, Albinoni, D'Aquin and Bruhns. The 'Great' Preludes, Fantasias, Toccatas and Fugues, The Orgelbuchlein, The 18 Chorales and Concerti arranged by JS Bach; Various Preludes, Toccatas and Fugues by Buxtehude.
FRENCH ROMANTIC
Symphonie 5, 6 and various Movements from other Symphonies by Charles-Marie Widor; Symphonie 1, 2 and Finale from Symphonie 6, Carillon de Westminster, Toccata in Bb Minor, 24 Pieces en Style en Libre, Sonata 1, Grand Choeur in d by Alexandre Guilmant; Grand Choeur Dialogue, Toccata and Scherzo by Eugene Gigout.
Major Solo Organ Works
Substantial works such as Fantasia and Fugue on 'Ad nos ad salutarem undam' by Franz Liszt or a complete French Symphonie by Louis Vierne may be included in a programme. At Christmas to Epiphany, 'La Nativite' by Olivier Messiaen can be performed in context with liturgical readings.
Accompanist
Skilled as accompanist on Organ, Piano or Harpsichord, James has extensive experience of most Cathedral choral repertoire and can be relied upon to produce sensitive, musical and exciting accompaniments to support any choir for concerts, regular services, festival occasions or recordings. He also regularly accompanies amateur choirs performing a wide range of music including folk, blues and music from the shows. He accompanies and supports scores of children through their examinations.
James has recently played for Neil Lucas, providing backing keyboards for Neil's latest recording 'The Classic Collection'. www.neillucas.com
Organ and ??
Willing and excited to explore new and old repertoire for organ and any instrument.
Engagements, past and present
Current music roles
Former recitals of note include
Current music roles
Director of Music, All Saints Church
Organ teacher
Freelance continuo player
Teacher and tutor at a secondary school in Gloucestershire
Upcoming recitals
Former recitals of note include
Current music roles
See my events page for more details about upcoming events
Saturday 3rd June, All Saints Church, Cheltenham
Toccata Spectacular! Organ recital
Friday 16 June to Saturday 17 June
24 Hour Organ Marathon
Raising Funds for All Saints Church
Holst Organ
Former recitals of note include
Former recitals of note include
Invite James to play for you - organ, harpsichord, piano
All Saints, Cheltenham August 2022,
June 2023
Christchurch, Bristol, April 2022
Glasgow University, October 2019
Newport Cathedral, February 2019
St.Mary Redcliffe, Bristol 2018
Brecon Cathedral 2017, 2018
St.James, Bushy 2016
All Saints, Leamington Spa, 2016
St.Johns Church, Bath 2016
Bath Abbey annual recital 2005-2015
St.Paul's Cathedral, London 2014
St.Mary Redcliffe, Bristol 2014
Durham Cathedral, 2013
St.Paul's Cathedral London, 2013
Westminster Cathedral, 2013
Queen's College Oxford, 2012
Truro Cathedral, 2012
Coventry Cathedral, 2011
Queen's College Oxford, 2011
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, 2010
Kings College, Cambridge, 2010
Westminster Abbey, 2010
Coventry Cathedral, 2009
Invite James to play for you - organ, harpsichord, piano
Invite James to play for you - organ, harpsichord, piano
Invite James to play for you - organ, harpsichord, piano
Invite James to play for you - organ, harpsichord, piano
Invite James to play for you - organ, harpsichord, piano
Things you might want to know about James
Musical style
Weddings and funerals
Weddings and funerals
Do you only play classical music?
No. Whilst much of my playing involves traditional organ music, I love playing music of all genres. I have accompanied a number of choirs and individual pupils who perform a wide range of music and have recently played for a rock music recording!
Weddings and funerals
Weddings and funerals
Weddings and funerals
Playing for weddings and funerals is a huge honour. Whether it be for a couple's special day or for a celebration of someone's life, the opportunity to make these occasions memorable with special music is something I love doing.
What do people say?
Weddings and funerals
What do people say?
Dr. Stephen Cleobury of Kings College Cambridge said of James' last performance at Kings, "This was a very fine recital indeed".
Simon Johnson (St.Paul's Cathedral) said "Super playing, exciting and perfect for this building".
Can you teach me?
Can you teach me?
What do people say?
Yes if you have the commitment. I have had many pupils in my working life and helped them pass ABRSM exams up to grade 8. I am currently teaching and mentoring two organ scholars with aspirations to secure scholarships at University in the next year or so.
Why the organ?
Can you teach me?
Why the organ?
I've been playing the organ at a professional level since I was 14 years old. As an instrument its range is amazing- from the most delicate and intricate of music to the grandest and loudest of pieces. It is simply the most amazing musical instrument - the king of instruments in fact. People just simply have to sit up and listen! And you get to play in some of the most beautiful, historic and iconic buildings. What could be better.
Contact James
Can you teach me?
Why the organ?
If you need a top class musician whether an accompanist, organist, harpsichordist, continuo player or for one to one organ masterclasses, contact James.