At Durham University, James spent most of his time (except when he absolutely had to do his Mathematics degree) making music, whether that was singing or playing the ‘cello. Immersed in the music scene, he enjoyed four years singing in an a cappella group, as well as taking part in many classical groups including the University Choral Society and the University College Chamber Choir. Orchestral music was also a passion of his and he assisted both small groups and larger groups, from a string quartet as part of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie to performing Beethoven’s ever-present Symphony No. 5 with the University Orchestral Society Chamber Orchestra. 

 

Like much of the rest of the choir, James sang in the Hampshire County Youth Choirs growing up, where he made memories of singing in the many different venues, including Winchester Cathedral, the Royal Albert Hall, and The Anvil. His background also extends to a summer course run by National Youth Choir which included a fantastic breadth of music, from South African to Finnish to Spanish. Having grown up singing with Alex Sermon, James is looking forward to sharing the Bass part with him once again.