Research Interests
Stemming from his belief that classical music is for all James is currently involved with research into changing orchestral concert practices, how attitudes towards classical music impact upon attendance at orchestral events and exploring ways in which orchestras can engage meaningfully with a wider public.
Education Work
James has been involved with education projects led by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, The Hallé Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra with Winsor Music and the New Bristol Sinfonia, involving people from the under fives to the elderly.
He works regularly with youth and student orchestras, including the West of Scotland Schools Orchestra of whom he is Artistic Director, the Nottingham Youth Orchestra where his Artistic Advisor and student ensembles from the both the Royal Scottish Conservatoire’s senior and junior departments. He has also worked with the musicians of Sistema Scotland in collaborations with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. He was formerly the Artistic Director of the University of Edinburgh Music Society, one of the oldest and largest university music societies in the UK, conducting their Symphony Orchestra, Choral Society and Sinfonia, and leading numerous international tours. He is also Principal Guest Conductor of Music for Everyone, an independent arts organisation with over twenty five years’ experience in devising and running innovative music participation events across Nottingham and the East Midlands.