James Armitage

New Zealander, James Armitage, graduated from the Royal College of Music (RCM) in 2005, where he studied with Ashley Stafford. At the RCM he also sang masterclasses with Michael Chance and James Bowman and was a founding member of both the Gonzaga Consort and RCM Bach Choir.

James maintains strong links with the New Zealand musical scene and still performs there regularly. He has recently returned from a five week tour to NZ culminating in a recital of lute songs for the Canterbury University International Arts’ Festival. His most recent ‘New Zealand’ engagement was entertaining New Zealand tourists for a week in a Tuscan villa.

James’ background is in choral singing, which he is still involved with. As well as his work with The Gonzaga Consort, he sings regularly as a deputy at St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and for James Bowman at the Chapel Royal. He also sings with the group Ex-Cathedra in Birmingham.

His solo repertoire spans the centuries from Dowland and Monteverdi, through to Schumann, Faure and onwards to Britten and Tippett. Oratorio performances include Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Bach’s St John Passion, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Samson, Purcell’s Come Ye Sons of Art and Monteverdi’s Vespers.

When not singing, James can be found coaching rowing on the Thames.