For the past fifteen years, cellist James Wilson has consistently performed to the delight of audiences throughout the world, from small towns to the world’s most illustrious venues. Acclaimed for his singing tone, and intelligent and soulful approach to music, one critic described Wilson as “not merely an advanced technician of his instrument: he is masterful at shaping notes and contouring phrases.” He has appeared in America’s Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center, Casal’s Hall in Tokyo, and the Sydney Opera House. As recitalist and chamber musician, he has performed at music festivals around the world such as the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the City of London Festival, the Deutches Mozartfest in Bavaria, the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival in Finland, the Mostly Mozart Festival in New York and the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado.
Wilson has collaborated with such diverse artists as violinist Joshua Bell, flutist Eugenia Zukerman, pianist Christopher O’Reily, guitarist Eliot Fisk, actress Claire Bloom, and the Tokyo String Quartet. He has also been a member of the Shanghai and Chester String Quartets, touring extensively worldwide with both groups. Mr. Wilson’s performances have been broadcast on West German Radio and Bavarian Radio in Germany, CBC radio in Canada, and CBS television and National Public Radio in the USA. He has recorded for the Delos and Music Masters labels.
Championing musical works from all periods, Mr. Wilson performs on both Baroque and modern cello, in repertoire ranging from the early Baroque to new works written especially for him including works by Bright Sheng, Elena Ruehr, Lowell Liebermann, Chia-Yu Hsu, Mathew Burtner, and Zhou Long, among others.
A devoted advocate for the arts and arts education, Mr. Wilson has served on the faculties of the University of Richmond, and Virginia Commonwealth University, teaching both performance and academic music courses. He has led masterclasses in Hong Kong, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Mexico, and has served in educational projects in Michigan, Texas and Virginia. He is currently the Artistic Director of the Richmond Festival of Music, co-ordinating performances and out-reach activities throughout the Richmond metro area.
