James Gilchrist began his working life as a doctor, turning to a full-time career in music in 1996. Recent highlights include St Matthew Passion (Rotterdam Philharmonic), and Die Jahreszeiten (Royal Flemish Phil), Britten Les Illuminations at Aldeburgh festival, La Finta Giardiniera (AAM), and Britten Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings (Amsterdam Sinfonietta). James also works regularly with the Academy of Ancient Music, the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, the Sixteen and the King’s Consort.

Gilchrist’s operatic roles include Quint in Britten’s Turn of the Screw, Ferrando in Cosi Fan Tutte, Vaughan Williams’ Sir John in Love (Barbican/Radio 3), and Purcell’s King Arthur for Mark Morris at English National Opera.

A prolific recitalist, Gilchrist enjoys successful relationships with accompanists Anna Tilbrook, Julius Drake and the harpist Alison Nicholls. His many critically acclaimed recordings include Die Schöne Mullerin, Schwanengesang and Winterreise for Orchid, Handel Jephtha with Fabio Biondi (BIS), Intimations of Immortality for Naxos, title role Albert Herring and Vaughan William’s A Poisoned Kiss for Chandos, Leighton Earth, Sweet Earth, On Wenlock Edge, Britten’s Winter Words and My Beloved is Mine – Britten Song Cycles (Linn).

Forthcoming engagements include performances of Messiah with the Sixteen and with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra. He will tour Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis with the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, and will sing Madwoman (Curlew River), Nebuchadnezzar (The Burning Fiery Furnace) and Tempter/Abbot (The Prodigal Son) in Britten’s Church Parables, with performances in St Petersburg, London and at the Aldeburgh Festival.