ITEC 2001 Artists

James Gourlay was born in Scotland and began to play in his local brass band at an early age. He took part in numerous solo competitions at that time and soon became Scottish Champion at junior and open levels. After studying at the Royal College of Music James Gourlay became principal tuba of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra where he stayed for four years. There followed posts in the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Orchester der Oper in Zürich where James worked with most of the World's top conductors.

As a soloist, James Gourlay has won international acclaim. He has toured Japan playing the Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto accompanied by the BBC SO and has appeared with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Proms.

James Gourlay has always had a strong commitment to new music. He has given premières of works by Lachenmann, Gregson, Horovitz, Sparke, Penderecki and Newton to name but a few. As a chamber musician, James Gourlay has been a member of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and the English Brass Ensemble with which he has toured the World.

Not content with simply playing the tuba, James Gourlay has made a reputation as an conductor. He has been Music Director of the Brass Band Berneroberland and the Williams Fairey Band (with whom he won the British Open Championship and the All England Masters), has conducted all of England's top brass bands and has worked with the National Youth Wind Orchestra and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. He has also recorded three CD recordings with the RNCM Wind Orchestra.

Currently, James Gourlay continues his lifelong dedication to music education, at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he is head of Wind and Percussion. James Gourlay plays Besson Tubas.