James Burke
Clarinet
James leads a busy career as the Principal Clarinet of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, having previously held Principal Clarinet positions at the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Royal Northern Sinfonia.
As well as regularly playing as Guest Principal with many other orchestras, such as the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, James’ work with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields means that he also has many opportunities to perform chamber music on a regular basis, often with Music Director Joshua Bell. As a chamber musician he has also worked with the London Sinfonietta, London Conchord Ensemble, Irish Chamber Orchestra, and the Philharmonia Soloists.
As a soloist, James has performed concertos and recitals all over the world, including London, the USA, South America and Sydney.
When not performing, James teaches clarinet at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Education has always played a major role in his career, having previously been the Director of Music at Milton Abbey School and the Head of Wind and Brass at Bryanston School.
He also regularly gives masterclasses, as well as orchestral and chamber music coaching sessions, at institutions such as the Royal College of Music, the Australian National Academy of Music, Southbank Sinfonia, and for the education departments of the London Symphony Orchestra and the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields.