Speakers

James Williams has been Director of the Royal College of Music since September 2024. Prior to this, James spent eight years as Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), during which time he appointed Vasily Petrenko as Music Director, secured Associate Orchestra status for the RPO at the Royal Albert Hall and developed the RPO’s international profile that included major tours to the USA, Europe and Asia.

In May 2023, James was invited by His Majesty King Charles III to oversee the music for the Coronation Service of Their Majesties The King and Queen held at Westminster Abbey. James has also worked for the Philharmonia Orchestra, building long-standing partnerships with artists such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Lorin Maazel, Lang Lang and Vladimir Ashkenazy.

Music education and developing the careers of young musicians has always played a central role in James’ career, which has included positions at the Royal Northern College of Music, Yehudi Menuhin's Live Music Now scheme and as a Trustee of the Mayfield Valley Arts Trust.