James Reese

‘“A shining tenor” (New York Classical Review), James Reese delivers dynamic, thoughtful performances that facilitate intimate connections between audiences and the art. An emerging specialist in early repertoire and a champion of new works, Reese's rare ability to impart emotional immediacy on music from Bach to the present day has earned him overwhelming critical acclaim over the course of a burgeoning and multifaceted career. As a soloist, Reese has appeared with leading orchestras and ensembles throughout North America. He is featured frequently with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, American Bach Soloists, the Washington Bach Consort, the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, and the Sebastians. This season, James looks forward to forging new musical relationships with the Mobile Symphony (AL), the Victoria Symphony (CAN), Chatham Baroque, and Cantata Collective (St. Matthew Passion with Nic McGegan.) He also greatly anticipates his Kennedy Center solo debut with Opera Lafayette. The 2023-24 season saw James debut with Tafelmusik (CAN), the Portland Baroque Orchestra, and Symphony Nova Scotia; last season took him to venues across North America and to international locales including Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Scandinavia, and Germany. An active recitalist, Reese works frequently with friend and collaborator, pianist Daniel Overly. Their debut at the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society was a concert-length recital of Schubert, Boulanger, Wolf, and a world premiere by Gregory W. Brown. In 2025, they will present Schubert’s Die Schöne Mullerin at the historic Hill-Physick House in Philadelphia. James is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music and he holds a masters degree from Yale University’s School of Music. He lives in Philadelphia.