James Thomas Bowman (b. November 6, 1941) is a famous countertenor born in Oxford, England. His career spans opera, oratorio, contemporary music and solo recitals. He began singing as a boy chorister at Ely Cathedral. ...show more

James Thomas Bowman (b. November 6, 1941) is a famous countertenor born in Oxford, England. His career spans opera, oratorio, contemporary music and solo recitals. He began singing as a boy chorister at Ely Cathedral.

He later went to New College, Oxford. He was a member of the New College and Christ Church choirs. In 1967 he auditioned for Benjamin Britten's English Opera Group and was cast as Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream, a work with which he has subsequently had a long and distinguished association. Bowman made his London debut at the opening concert of the Queen Elizabeth Hall and was soon in demand on both the opera stage and concert platform.

He appeared at Glyndebourne in 1970 La Calisto (the first countertenor to sing there), English National Opera in 1971 Semele and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden 1972 Taverner. At the same time Bowman met David Munrow and was invited to join the Early Music Consort of London. The ensemble made numerous recordings and toured extensively, inspiring many to explore and join the revival in early music and period performance. During his career Bowman has appeared at almost every major opera house including La Scala Milan, Amsterdam, Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Sydney, Verona, Vienna, Strasbourg, Sante Fe, Dallas and San Franscisco. ...show less