James Quilligan is a recent 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 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), Chrudoš in Libuše by Smetana (University College Opera), Ferryman in Curlew River (Opera Xylem), Count Almaviva and Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro (Trinity College Music Society and Magnetic Opera), the title role in Don Giovanni (Ensemble Orquesta), 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, Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Christmas Carol and Five Mystical Songs. 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.

James is a recipient of The Hon. Isabel Catto OBE Memorial Scholarship and is grateful for the support of the RCS Trust.

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