James Johnstone
Professor of Basso Continuo (Historical Performance)
Harpsichordist and organist James Johnstone has forged a career as recitalist, chamber musician, continuo player and teacher.
He has performed and recorded with all the major UK-based period instrument ensembles, as well as groups in Germany, Canada, Italy and Holland.
As a recitalist he has performed throughout Europe as well as Israel, South America and the United States.
He was a principal keyboard player for the Gabrieli Consort and Players for 17 years, taking part in some 22 landmark recordings for Deutsche Grammophon. As a member of the chamber ensemble Florilegium he performed and recorded throughout Europe and North and South America. For the last ten years he has been principal keyboardist for Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra.
James has recorded ten solo recital discs to date of repertoire ranging from the English Virginalists to Bach. He is currently recording the complete organ works of Bach on historical instruments, and his recording on harpsichord of the Art of Fugue.
He has taught on courses in the Czech Republic, Poland, the United States and Brazil.