James Birchall studied at St John’s College, Cambridge, the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
He has sung many of the major oratorio roles, notably Handel’s Messiah and Beethoven’s Choral Symphony, both with the CBSO in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Bach’s St John Passion with the London Mozart Players in St Paul’s Cathedral, Christmas Oratorio and Messiah in Kristiansund, Norway and St Matthew Passion at the Royal Festival Hall with the Bach Choir. Forthcoming concerts include Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in Gloucester Cathedral and the Messiah in Worcester Cathedral.
In 2010 he made his solo debut at the BBC Proms, performing Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, and has twice appeared as a soloist at the Three Choirs Festival, performing Serenade to Music and Purcell’s Hail Bright Cecilia.
Operatic engagements have included Messenger Belshazzar at the Theatre du Capitole, Toulouse, Moralès (cover) in Carmen for Raymond Gubbay Ltd at the Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena, London, and Masetto/Commendatore in Don Giovanni for Opera della Luna at the Iford Festival. James also often sings with the Royal Opera Chorus with productions this season including Aida, La Bohème and Tannhäuser.
He is married with two daughters who have picked up his enthusiasm for music, but cricket and rugby are still work in progress.