James Lowe (conductor)
James Lowe (born 1976) is a British conductor and violist. As well as holding various assistant conducting posts and holding the post of Associate Conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra between 2004 and 2007 he is the current artistic director of the New Bristol Sinfonia and of the West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra.[1]
Early life
Lowe was born in Nottingham. His first venture into the world of music was the study of the viola. He began viola lessons aged 13 and later went on to study the instrument privately with John White.[2] He went on to study music at the University of Edinburgh gaining a First Class Honours degree in music.[1][2]
Having conducted most of the main ensembles at the University of Edinburgh during his time as a student there Lowe continued his study of conducting in a series of master classes with legendary Finnish conducting teacher Jorma Panula and continued studies with Bernard Haitink, Neeme Järvi and Valery Gergiev.
Notable achievements
Lowe has guest conducted many international orchestras, including the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Osaka Philharmonic, the Hallé Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. In addition he is the music director of the New Bristol Sinfonia and the West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra. The West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra is a charity organisation dedicated to the development of young musicians. Lowe's input as conductor of this organisation has greatly influenced many young musicians and has ensured high standards in the orchestra's performance. Lowe is widely respected amongst the young musicians of the orchestra.
From 2004-07 Lowe was Associate Conductor of the RSNO.[2]
His work with the Hallé Harmony Youth Orchestra is featured in the documentary "Orchestra United" on UK's Channel 4 in July and August 2010.