13th September 2012 - 12.30 Lunchtime Concert

James Douglas, cello

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Programme

Cello Suite No 2, Opus 80
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Suite No 2 in D minor, BWV 1008
from Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

 

 

James Douglas, cello

James Douglas began learning the cello aged 9 with Veronica Raven. In 2006, James joined the CBSO Youth Orchestra, and was principal cello between 2006/2007. During his time in the orchestra, James worked with some of Europe’s leading conductors including Andris Nelsons, Sakari Oramo, and Jac Van Steen. In 2007, James was awarded an entrance scholarship by Birmingham Conservatoire and studied with Nicholas Roberts and Lionel Handy. During his time at Birmingham conservatoire James participated in masterclasses with Raphael Wallfisch and Sagi Hartov.

A keen chamber musician - in February 2011 James won the Sylvia Cleaver Chamber Music Prize with the Nikishin Ensemble performing the Schubert Quintet. In 2010 he gave a performance of the Reich Triple Quartet with the Smith, Boult and Conservatoire quartets. He has participated in masterclasses with the Gould and Owon Trios, and the Wihan, Carducci, and Chilingarian Quartets.

James also has considerable experience in the orchestra pit of the opera house. He played in the Co-Opera Co. Chamber Orchestra for the 2011/12 season, which included a UK tour of ‘Carmen’ and ‘Magic Flute’. In 2009 James was principal cello in the Birmingham Conservatoire Sinfonia for a performance of ’La Boheme’.

James also enjoys playing other musical styles which has led him to work with music producers in and around London. Most recently, James played at the EP launch of ‘Benedict’ and recorded for the EP of Charlie Hinchcliffe at Brighton Acoustic. In the future James will be working with his sister, singer-songwriter, Laura Mvula.

James is now continuing his studies with Jo Cole at the Royal Academy of Music, where he has had the privilege of working with Maestro Christian Thielemann. He aspires to build a career combining orchestral playing, session work in other areas of the music industry, and teaching. James plays on a Frank Ravatin Cello of 2011, kindly loaned to him by the Royal Academy of Music.

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