James Newby - About

I was so blown away to be awarded such a prestigious prize and to join such a distinguished set of musicians. I’ve already received so much fantastic support and benefitted greatly from the knowledge within BBT, I’m so excited to see how it can develop over the next few years.

British baritone James Newby’s performances on the opera stage have been described as “standout, demonstrating his versatility and dramatic prowess” (The Guardian) while on the recital platform, where he is not afraid to act with operatic intensity, he can bewitch an audience with a performance “both vocally impeccable and emotionally resonant” (Bachtrack). A winner of numerous prestigious awards which have significantly enhanced his profile and further developed his professional career, James also participated in BBT’s 20th anniversary celebrations at London’s Wigmore Hall.

James is keenly interested in a wide range of art song, from Romantic to contemporary, and has shown himself to be a skilful programmer of repertoire, as evidenced by his first two highly acclaimed recordings for BIS Records, I Wonder as I Wander and Fallen to Dust. Continuing this relationship with BIS, BBT will support an upcoming recording and touring project, built around two commissioned song sets that are also supported by James’ BBT funding. He has also used funding to support German lessons, coaching and targeted German PR, as well as a pair of John Dowland song arrangements made by Oliver Muxworthy for a recital tour.

James has been supported with a BBT Award since 2022.

For a current biography please visit jamesnewby.co.uk or maxinerobertson.com

Photographs by Gerard Collett