James Burton

An English choral conductor, arranger, and composer, James Burton launched his musical path as a chorister at Westminster Abbey, rising to head chorister in 1987 while also pursuing piano studies. Following his graduation from St. John's College at Cambridge University, he earned a master's degree in orchestral conducting under Frederik Prausnitz and Gustav Meier at the Peabody Conservatory. Burton built his reputation through leadership of the Hallé Choir between 2002 and 2009, during which he also created the Hallé Youth Choir in 2003. He later assumed the directorship of the Schola Cantorum of Oxford, guiding the ensemble on international tours. In Cornwall, Burton maintained ties to the St. Endellion Music Festivals, serving as music director of the Easter Festival from 2007 onward. His orchestral work has encompassed engagements with the Royal London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Orchestra of the Scottish Opera, and the Hallé. Within the operatic sphere, he has led productions for the English National Opera and the English Touring Opera while maintaining additional affiliations with the Metropolitan Opera, Opera de Paris, and Garsington Opera.