biography

Australian-born baritone James Emerson is a highly accomplished performer in professional opera and classical vocal concerts that have showcased his talent from a young age. He has recently performed on stage with Victorian Opera, notably participating in the Australian premiere of Valtinoni's II Mago di Oz, where he portrayed the character of the Cowardly Lion, and in the world premiere of Richard Mills' The Butterfly Lovers.

James holds a Master of Music (Opera Performance) from The University of Melbourne, and he also holds a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours. He has received numerous music awards from renowned Australian vocal competitions and Eisteddfods. These accolades include the Arnold Matters Scholarship Award at the Adelaide Eisteddfod, as well as winning the Ringwood Aria Eisteddfod and Warrnambool Aria Eisteddfod competitions. In 2021, James was also a finalist in the prestigious Herald Sun Aria competition.

Starting in 2022, James has had the privilege of being a member of the esteemed Melba Opera Trust, during which he was bestowed with the John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Scholarship, the Paulette Bisley Opera Scholarship, and was a participant in the inaugural Prior Family Foundation's Study Tour.

James is now commencing his Master of Performance (Vocal) studies at the Royal College of Music, London, where he is a Sir Gordon Palmer Scholar supported by the Big Give Scholarship. Recently, James performed the role of Bogdanowitsch in the RCM's production of The Merry Widow. Additionally, James' London studies are also being supported by the Tait Memorial Trust, The Moonee Valley Foundation, The Australian Cultural Fund, The St Kevin's Old Collegians Foundation, and the Welsford Smithers Memorial Travelling Scholarship from the University of Melbourne.