Recognized as “masterly” with a “soulful, lyrical tone” (Boston Music Intelligencer), prize-winning cellist Tyler Michael James has established a multifaceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, and advocate for contemporary music. He has performed on recitals at Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 92nd Street Y, and the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, collaborating with acclaimed artists such as Peter Zazofsky, Ayano Ninomiya, and Doris Stevenson.

As a soloist and chamber musician, James has been featured with Castle of our Skins, the Cambridge Music Society, the New York University Symphony, and Red Door Chamber Music. His upcoming season is highlighted by a performance of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the Ridgefield Symphony. A dedicated chamber artist, he is a member of the Tristan Trio, the Finehouse James Duo, and the Garrison Quartet, and performs with premier ensembles including A Far Cry and the Fermata Chamber Soloists.

A champion of new music, James collaborated closely with Pulitzer Prize-winner Raven Chacon on solo works and was personally granted recording rights by Jessie Montgomery for her composition Loisaida, My Love following his performance of her work. He has premiered works by Anthony R. Green at Rockport Music and maintains a consistent presence as a guest artist with composers’ collectives at the New England Conservatory and the Peabody Institute.

Tyler is the Executive Director of the Cambridge Music Society, Head of Chamber Music at the Boston String Academy, and Cello Faculty at Project STEP.  He studied with Leslie Frittellie, Marion Feldman and Dr. Terry King on full scholarship respectively and has performed in masterclasses for Alisa Weilerstein and Hans Jensen. Significant musical influences have been members of the Julliard Quartet and Mirecourt Trio. In his free time, he is an avid marathon runner, explorer of America’s National Parks, and an MBA.