James Southall is a conductor and pianist who currently serves as Music Director of the David Seligman Opera School at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He spent nearly 15 years with WNO, conducting a wide range of productions including Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, Carmen, Don Giovanni, Die Fledermaus and The Barber of Seville.

 

In addition to his work with WNO, James has conducted for English Touring Opera, Sinfonia Cymru and Camerata Nordica. He has also worked with the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Teatro Real Madrid, and La Monnaie in Brussels.

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As a pianist, James has performed at venues including Wigmore Hall and Cadogan Hall. He has received recognition as a former winner of the Accompanist’s Prize at the Kathleen Ferrier Awards & the Maggie Teyte Competition and has collaborated with Sir Bryn Terfel, Elizabeth Watts and Ailish Tynan.

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James studied at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he was an Organ Scholar, and at the Royal College of Music, London. He combines his performing career with a commitment to education and mentoring young musicians.