Described by The Independent as “a worthy champion” of contemporary oboe music, James has dedicated much of his performing life to promoting and extending the oboe repertoire. James has performed frequently throughout the UK and Europe including a solo recitals at the Wigmore Hall and live on BBC Radio 3. His solo recordings have been released by Toccata Classics, Champs Hill Records, Quartz Music, ABRSM as well as featuring on a disc of Thea Musgrave’s works for Harmonia Mundi USA. Gramophone Magazine described his debut recital disc, Fierce Tears, as a “notable debut” and it was selected as the Editor’s Choice Recording by Classical Music Magazine. Most recently the Royal Academy of Music recognised his contribution to the music profession by awarding him an ARAM.

James is deeply committed to expanding the oboe repertoire. He has worked closely with Michael Berkeley, John Casken, Jonathan Dove, John Woolrich, Thea Musgrave and Tansy Davies on their compositions for oboe. In 2015, James launched the New Oboe Music Project (NewOboeMusic.org) which promotes 21st century oboe repertoire across the world. As part of this project James has curated a special collection of previously unpublished oboe repertoire in partnership with Composers Edition. James also has a keen interest in researching lost repertoire and bringing to new audiences works which have been rarely performed. In 2011 he worked closely with Christopher Hogwood on preparation for a new edition of Thomas Attwood Walmisley’s Sonatinas for oboe and piano.

James is an active chamber musician and is Artistic Director of Perpetuo. Founded in 2013, Perpetuo is a chamber music collective that specialises in multi-art form collaborations and innovative ways of performing chamber music in new contexts. James has also performed with other chamber music ensembles including the Berkeley Ensemble and the Allegri String Quartet.

Aside from his performing interests, James is dedicated to broadening the appeal of the oboe and encouraging young people to learn the instrument. To this end, he has launched the website LearnToPlayTheOboe.com and is active in his work promoting all double reed instruments as Chair of the British Double Reed Society. James also teaches at the Royal College of Music Junior Department, Purcell School for Young Musicians and several schools across Southeast England as well as working for National Children’s Orchestras as an oboe tutor. Most recently James has joined the professorial staff at Trinity Laban. In recognition of his work in music education, James was awarded the inaugural Patricia Prindl Prize by the Musicians’ Company in 2016.

James plays a Lorée Oboe and Cor Anglais from Crowthers of Canterbury. For more information about James and his playing, visit www.james-turnbull.com.

Last updated September 2024. (440 words)

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