James Bowman

about

James Thomas Bowman (b. November 6, 1941) is a famous countertenor born in Oxford, England. His career spans opera, oratorio, contemporary music and solo recitals. He began singing as a boy chorister at Ely Cathedral. He later went to New College, Oxford. He was a member of the New College and Christ Church choirs. In 1967 he auditioned for Benjamin Britten's English Opera Group and was cast as Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream, a work with which he has subsequently had a long and distinguished association. Bowman made his London debut at the opening concert of the Queen Elizabeth Hall and was soon in demand on both the opera stage and concert platform. He appeared at Glyndebourne in 1970 La Calisto (the first countertenor to sing there), English National Opera in 1971 Semele and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden 1972 Taverner. At the same time Bowman met David Munrow and was invited to join the Early Music Consort of London. The ensemble made numerous recordings and toured extensively, inspiring many to explore and join the revival in early music and period performance. During his career Bowman has appeared at almost every major opera house including La Scala Milan, Amsterdam, Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Sydney, Verona, Vienna, Strasbourg, Sante Fe, Dallas and San Franscisco. His concert career is equally wide ranging: in Europe he is well known as a recitalist, with a large following particularly in France. In 1992 the French Government honoured him with admission to "L

top songs

albums

La musique au temps des castrats - Astrée Recordings

THEATRE OF EARLY MUSIC: Love Bade Me Welcome - Songs and Poetry from the Renaissance

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Orff: Carmina Burana

Songs for Ariel

Eternal Source of Light

The Art of James Bowman

Vivaldi: Stabat Mater; Concerto in G minor; Nisi Dominus

Vivaldi / Telemann / Bach / Pergolesi

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Berceuses: Evening Music for the Whole Family

Music of the Gothic Era

A Celebration of James Bowman

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Music of the Crusades

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