Last year, James was one of the composers we annually, charitably support as they embark on their career. He loves to explore the rich textural, timbral and harmonic possibilities of acoustic instruments, and the voice. His works are influenced by stories of our time and a wide range of composers and artists, from Benjamin Britten to Sonic Youth, and the poetry of Dylan Thomas to the films of David Lynch. He was the first ever composer commissioned by the Chineke! Orchestra; the resulting piece The Green Fuse premiered at Cheltenham Music Festival. He later wrote the powerful Remnants for them in collaboration with the poet Yomi Sode. You can read more about James on our website here.

James is one of the many composers we have supported on the RPS Composers programme, giving each a commission and premiere with a noted ensemble, festival or venue, as well as a ten-month programme of professional development giving them the chance to meet industry experts and professional composers, furthering their confidence and skills to seek further commissions and premieres of their own. The RPS Composers programme is made possible by a range of trusts and foundations, and through the kind support of RPS Members.

You can find out more about RPS Membership and how you can help us support talented musicians like James here.

Click below for more details of his premiere in the BBC Last Night of the Proms.