Ep. 22: James Gilchrist

*All Talking Classical podcasts formerly on SoundCloud have been redirected to Anchor.* This podcast features an interview with tenor James Gilchrist, in which we discuss a variety of topics relating to being a singer: - psychology of performance, particularly, in somewhere like the Wigmore Hall where he was singing that evening. - the way audiences might perceive song recitals, and what performers can do to engage them regarding such perceptions. - the balance between what artists do on stage to communicate with their audience, e.g., how much is moving around or maintaining eye contact? - interpretation of narrative in lieder repertoire. - the challenges and privileges of being a medical doctor (which James initially started as), and making the transition to becoming a full-time professional performer. - comparing the experience of music college versus university. Many thanks to James for coming especially to London in the morning to record, as well as Tamsin Raitt and the staff at Wigmore Hall for arrangements for the interview! Podcast published on 13th February 2020; recorded on 8th February 2020 in the Gerald Moore Room, Wigmore Hall, London. James Gilchrist began his working life as a doctor, turning to a full-time career in music in 1996. His musical interest was fired at a young age, singing first as a chorister in the choir of New College, Oxford, and later as a choral scholar at King’s College, Cambridge. James’ extensive concert repertoire has seen him perform in major concert halls throughout the world. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and the St John and Matthew Passions feature prominently in his schedule, and he is celebrated as perhaps the finest Evangelist of his generation. Recent engagements include Elijah in Goteborgs Symfoniker and Masaaki Suzuki, Handel’s Messiah with the Handel & Haydn Society in Boston, with Bernard Labadie, and Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis with Singapore Symphony Orchestra. In the 2019-20 season appearances include the role of Rev. Horace Adams Peter Grimes with Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Edward Gardner in London and Norway, St Matthew Passion with City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Egarr, and a tour of Europe with Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki.