Biography
London-based tenor, James Micklethwaite, is a graduate of the Royal College of Music, a Garsington Opera Alvarez Emerging Artist, and recipient of the Helen Clarke Award for his contribution to Garsington's 2025 season. He is in demand as a soloist, operatic and ensemble singer.
James grew up in Leeds and was introduced to opera when, as a child, he performed in several productions with Opera North, including as Miles in The Turn of the Screw. Whilst studying for a degree in Philosophy, he was a member of the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, before moving to London to study at the Royal College of Music and to pursue singing full-time.
James is currently at Garsington Opera, performing in the ensemble and covering the title role in Monteverdi's Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria. He also performed the role of Ulisse for the Opera First performance. Other highlights include: Beppe (Cover) and Ensemble Pagliacci (English Touring Opera): Tchaplitsky Queen of Spades (Garsington); Grimoaldo (Cover and Opera First performance) Rodelinda (Garsington); Apollo Semele (Waterperry Opera Festival); Delmonte Un giorno di regno (Garsington); Flute (Cover and Opera First performance) A Midsummer Night's Dream (Garsington); Gastone (Cover) The Dead City (English National Opera), and Slender Sir John in Love (British Youth Opera at Opera Holland Park).