Reviews
Classic FM Magazine, August 2008
"Spirits and Souls", Glasgow University Chapel Choir
"Keep an ear open for young conductor James Grossmith. His work with the University of Glasgow's chapel choir projects impressive musical maturity and a sense of emotional openness, qualities that get the best of out of a well-drilled, naturally exuberant group of singers."
The Herald, 9 June 2008
"James Grossmith, now 31, studied at Cambridge before moving to Scotland to study with the vastly experienced conductor Martyn Brabbins. Clearly it paid off. James is now chorus director at Scottish Opera, where he has notched up a series of opera performances, including Tamerlano and Seraglio. He is also director of the Glasgow University Chapel Choir and has recently cofounded, with university organist Kevin Bowyer, the choir's own record label, Bute records, whose impressive first disc, Spirits and Souls, is out now. "
The Times, 22 January 2008
****, Stevenson's Praise of Ben Dorain, with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, 2008 Celtic Connections
"The singers of the Scottish Opera Chorus, the Edinburgh Singers and the Glasgow University chapel choir made a fine job of some demanding music. The young conductor and chorus-master James Grossmith seized his opportunity with both hands."
Sunday Times, June 2007
Elgars' The Black Knight, BBC Symphony Orchestra and St Magnus Festival Chorus
"Elgar’s 150th anniversary was imaginatively marked with a fine Pickaquoy performance, by the St Magnus Festival Chorus and the BBCSSO under James Grossmith, of the rare early cantata The Black Knight."
The Times, June 2007
Elgars' The Black Knight, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and St Magnus Festival Chorus
"In his hands, Elgar’s early dramatic cantata The Black Knight became much more than an attractive Victorian period-piece. A local chorus was in sparkling form."
BBC, June 2007
Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor, Scottish Opera
"James Grossmith brought out the wonderful score without wallowing."
The Stage, November 2006
Handel's Tamerlano, Scottish Opera
"Scottish Opera’s orchestra played with spirit...under the baton of James Grossmith"
The Student, November 2006
Handel's Tamerlano, Scottish Opera
"The stars of the show are undoubtedly the orchestra who, conducted by James Grossmith, vividly bring Handel's music to life"
The Scotsman, January 2006, *****
Glasgow University Chapel Choir concert
"Over the past year, there has been a fundamental restructuring of music within the chapel. An operation that used to be run by one man is now under the direction of two. Grossmith and Bowyer proved that the new-found formula is a winner."
The Scotsman, December 2005
"One intriguing revelation was the new chorus master. The choice is a good one. James Grossmith, director of choral music at both the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) and Glasgow University Chapel, is the most interesting operator on the Scottish choral circuit at the moment."