We’re excited to be welcoming you to the BSO! How does it feel to be joining us?
I’m very excited to join, I feel very privileged to be the new principal timpanist. I have had an exciting journey on my trial and I am looking forward to beginning the new season.
Tell us about your musical journey so far?
I studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire before attending the Royal Academy of Music for my Masters. I studied with Simon Carrington and Andrew Barclay (who started his career in the BSO!) I have been freelancing on both timpani and percussion for 14 years but my passion has always been the timpani.
James in action with the Orchestra at this year’s BBC Proms performance (c)Chris Christodolou/BBC
What’s your favourite piece of all time to play?
If forced to choose it would be Mahler’s Second Symphony, but there is so much fantastic repertoire for the timpani — we’re spoilt for choice!
What’s the best thing about being a professional musician?
The feeling of looking forward to going to work, it’s a privilege to play an instrument for a living!
Watch James in action throughout our 2025/26 season…