Born in Selby, North Yorkshire in 1984, James Williamson developed an interest in composition when studying at the University of Huddersfield in 2002. During his study under Patric Standford, he has had many pieces performed and recorded by professional ensembles, including the Malcolm Layfield String Quartet, Galliard Ensemble, Ensemble Firebird, various university ensembles and a solo performance by trombone virtuoso Barry Webb. Since completing his degree in 2005, James studied for a year under the tuition of Bryn Harrison before undergoing a Masters degree in composition at the Royal Academy of Music with Philip Cashian. James' piece 10 Pages, for solo harp, was shortlisted for the Young Composers Workshop at Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival 2006 and performed by renowned harpist Rhodri Davis. While at the Royal Academy of Music, James has had pieces premiered at Canterbury Sounds New festival by the Manson Ensemble and collaborations with the London Sinfonietta, the National Theatre, an ‘open score’ piece for CoMA London and two animation projects. James has recently won the inaugural Lunar Saxophone Quartet New Music Award in December 2007 with his piece In Memorium, which will be recorded on the LSQ’s forthcoming album FLUX and published by Staunch Music Publications. Recently James wrote Chamber Concerto written for the Aurora Orchestra, which was premiered on March 25th 2008 and The Hole of Horcum Concerto for Accordion & Orchestra to be premiered in February 2009 in Croatia.

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