James George joined the trombone section of the CPO on January 1, 2024, having been principal trombone of the CPYWE from 2015 to 2022 and of the CPYO from 2016 to 2022, and an ad hoc member of the CPO since 2017.
James made his concerto debut with the CPYO in a festival in Wynberg. Born in Cape Town and rooted in the New Apostolic Church, James settled on the trombone only in 2014 when he started studying with Ryan Kierman at the Athlone Academy of Music. From 2018, James began to expand his musical horizons, playing with a diverse array of ensembles and sharing the stage with local and world-renowned musicians. He was also able to share his talent globally by participating in two international tours with MIAGI in Europe and with the ZipZap Circus for four months in France, leaving a lasting impact on his evolving career.
James is committed to the NAC and to the musical community, understanding the need for education and performance. He remains principal trombone of the New Apostolic Church Orchestra and was music tutor at Christel House South Africa from 2017 to 2023 where he taught trombone, trumpet, saxophone, piano, bass guitar, drum kit and percussion, while running the bands and teaching theory. He also engages in freelance performances, embodying his dedication to both aspects of his musical journey.
He is currently pursuing an LTCL (Performance Licentiate) through Trinity College of London and in the process of completing a Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree through the University of South Africa.
