James Quilligan is a graduate of the Alexander Gibson Opera Studio at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he studied with Scott Johnson. He was previously a Monteverdi Choir Apprentice and also studied at the Guidhall School of Music and Drama. 

James’ operatic roles have included Mr Redburn in Billy Budd (concert performance), Bartolo / Antonio in Le Nozze di Figaro (Spira Mirabilis), Dandini in La Cenerentola (Longhope Opera), Steward in Flight by Jonathan Dove (RCS), Street Singer in Die Dreigroschenoper by Weil (RCS), Tarquinius in The Rape of Lucretia (cover, RCS), Gaoler in Cabildo by Amy Beach (Grimeborn), and Flemish Deputy in Don Carlo (Grange Park Opera). James has also created several roles in contemporary operas with companies including St John’s College Music Society and the Helios Collective.
 

On the concert platform, James has performed Bach St John Passion, Brahms Requiem, Charpentier Te Deum, Dvořák Stabat Mater, Fauré Requiem, Finzi In Terra Pax, Handel Messiah, and Nelson Mass, Haydn Harmoniemesse, Mozart Requiem, Puccini Messa di Gloria, Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle, Stanford Songs of the Sea, Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Christmas Carol, Five Mystical Songs and Willow Wood.

 

A keen recitalist, he has performed at the Wigmore Hall, St Martin in the Fields, St George Hanover Square, Hatchlands Park and the Old Royal Naval chapel, Greenwich. In 2021 James was awarded the Elgar/Spedding Lieder prize alongside his duo partner, Amy Chang.

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