Recognized as “masterly” with a “soulful, lyrical tone” (Boston Music Intelligencer), 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 Rockport Chamber Music Festival, collaborating with acclaimed artists such as Peter Zazofsky, Ayano Ninomiya, and Doris Stevenson.

James has been a featured soloist with the Vision Ensemble, New York University Symphony, Longy Orchestra, and the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts. His upcoming season is highlighted by a performance of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the Ridgefield Symphony. A dedicated chamber artist, he is a founding member of the Tristan Trio, the Finehouse James Duo, and the Garrison Quartet, and has performed with premier ensembles including A Far Cry, Castle of our Skins, and the Fermata Chamber Soloists.

A champion of new music, James collaborated closely with Pulitzer Prize-winner Raven Chacon on both his solo works for cello and was personally granted recording rights by Jessie Montgomery for her composition Loisaida, My Love following his performance of her work. He has premiered Concertos for Quartet and String Ensemble 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, Associate Artistic Director of Red Door Chamber Music, and Cello Faculty at both Project STEP and the Montecito Music Festival.  He studied with Leslie Frittellie, Marion Feldman and Dr. Terry King on full scholarships 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.