JAMES WILSON
cello

Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as a "recitalist with something to say, and a commanding way of saying it," cellist James Wilson is equally distinguished as a soloist, chamber musician and educator. Often acclaimed for his expressive approach to music and his singing tone, Wilson has appeared on the world’s most illustrious stages. He has performed in numerous music festivals and series including Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival, the German Mozart Festival in Augsburg, Musica Viva Australia, and the City of London Festival. Recognized as a superb chamber musician, he has collaborated with such celebrated artists as Lydia Artymiw, Eliot Fisk, Ruth Laredo, Arnold Steinhardt, and Eugenia Zukerman. He is currently a member of the acclaimed Chester String Quartet and the newly formed Da Ponte Trio. He has also been a member of the Shanghai String Quartet.

An advocate of music from all periods, Mr. Wilson is equally at home performing music from the early Baroque, as he is performing the standard repertoire. His insight into new music has led him to premiere new works by many composers including Matthew Burtner, Joel Hoffman, Lowell Liebermann, Elena Ruehr, Bright Sheng and Zhou Long. He has recorded for Arabesque, Bavarian Radio, CBC Radio, Delos International, Music Masters, National Public Radio, XLNT Music and Access records. In addition to his work as a cellist, Wilson is much sought after as a music educator and commentator. He has conducted master classes in Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, Mexico and the United States. He has served on the faculties of the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University and is also artistic director for Richmond ChamberFest A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Wilson was born in to a musical family and began cello studies at age 11. Chamber music became an early focus for him: within two years, he was playing in his first string quartet, and in high school he was coached by Gustave Rosseels, who had been a member of the well-known Paganini String Quartet. Wilson went on to graduate from the University of Michigan where, as a student of Jeffrey Solow, he was awarded the School of Music’s highest honor, the Albert A. Stanley Medal. He continued his studies with Stephen Kates, graduating from the Peabody Conservatory. During that time, Wilson was twice selected as a participant in the Piatigorsky Seminar for Cellists.