James Henshaw

British conductor James Henshaw, permanently based in Germany, has built an international career marked by a strong presence in the operatic and symphonic repertoire, as well as long-standing collaborations with leading European institutions. His artistic profile is distinguished by a profound approach to music theatre, a broad stylistic range, and an interest in contemporary interpretative practices.

Between 2016 and 2019, he served as Chorus Master of the English National Opera, having previously held the position of Assistant Chorus Master (2015–2016). His work at ENO included collaborations with numerous leading conductors and participation in significant productions, among them The Day After by Jonathan Dove and Paul Bunyan by Benjamin Britten. As Assistant Conductor, he was involved in productions such as Le nozze di Figaro, Jenůfa, The Mask of Orpheus by Harrison Birtwistle, and other projects, including those connected with the BBC Proms.

In 2013, he founded The Outcry Ensemble, of which he remains Principal Conductor. With the ensemble, he has realized thematic symphonic cycles, including programs featuring music by Ludwig van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms, as well as large-scale works such as War Requiem by Britten (London, 2025). A new year-long concert series is planned for 2026.

As a guest conductor, Henshaw has worked with institutions including the London Philharmonic Orchestra (debut with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5), the BBC Concert Orchestra (debut in 2025), Orchestra Sinfonica di Sanremo, Orchestra della Toscana, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Berlin Opera Academy. His repertoire spans classical works by Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, Henry Purcell and George Frideric Handel, as well as contemporary titles such as Proving Up by Missy Mazzoli. His stage engagements include Tosca at Freiburg Theatre, Alcina (Guildhall), Die Zauberflöte (Staatstheater Meiningen), as well as touring productions of Glyndebourne Touring Opera (The Creation by Haydn).

In his professional development, he has worked as assistant to conductors such as Mark Wigglesworth, Jordan de Souza, Ben Glassberg, Giampaolo Bisanti, Erina Yashima, Alexander Joel and Evan Rogister in theatres and festivals such as Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Hamburg State Opera, Rouen, and Longborough Opera.

In 2025, he won First Prize and the Orchestra Prize at the Kussewitzky Conducting Competition. Among his other distinctions are Britten-Pears Young Artist status (2014), a Conducting Prize from Aberystwyth MusicFest (2013), and an Instrumental Award from the University of Cambridge (2007).

His education includes a Conducting Fellowship and a Master’s degree (with distinction) from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (2012–2014), as well as studies at Clare College Cambridge (MA Hons Cantab).