Sarah James

Biography

Hailed by The Times as ‘a player of real charisma’, Sarah James is an acclaimed saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist. She has given recitals at prominent venues throughout the UK, live on Radio 3 and for the BBC Proms.  

Competition success includes the KPMG Martin Musical Trust, Countess of Munster Musical Trust, Manchester Midday Concerts Society, the Australian Music Competition, Hattori Foundation, and as a finalist in the Royal Overseas League International Music Competition.  

Sarah’s orchestral experience includes the Philharmonia, Royal Philharmonic, ENO, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Aurora, and the Heritage Orchestra - plus almost 40 West End productions. As the first ever female featured solo saxophonist with Irish phenomenon Riverdance, Sarah has performed extensively worldwide. 

Educational projects include the University of Massachusetts, University of Johannesburg, Trinity Laban, RWCMD and the National Youth Wind Ensemble of Great Britain. Sarah is woodwind tutor for the National Childrens Concert Band.  

Sarah was awarded the 2000 RAM Meaker Fellowship, and in 2022 became an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.