ABOUT
Tenor James Pike is praised for his “lovely and pure tone and a great stage countenance,” and is especially known for his work in oratorio and concert repertoire. Based in Minneapolis, James has become a trusted soloist across the Upper Midwest, recognized for his expressive musicality, clear diction, and deep interpretive sense—particularly in sacred and choral masterworks.
His recent solo engagements include Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s The Creation and Nicolaimesse, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Bach’s Magnificat, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Vaughan Williams’ Hodie and Serenade to Music, Dubois’ Les Sept Paroles du Christ, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, and Coleridge-Taylor’s Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast. He has performed with ensembles including the Rochester Symphony Orchestra, Kantorei, Saint John’s Oratorio Chorus, Saint Catherine’s Choral Society, East Metro Symphony Orchestra, Sonomento, and the Minnesota Saints Chorale & Orchestra.
In demand for his sensitive collaboration with choirs and orchestras alike, James brings warmth, agility, and a strong ensemble instinct to the concert stage. His repertoire ranges from Baroque to modern, with a particular affinity for English choral literature and sacred storytelling.
While his primary focus is concert work, James also brings stage experience to select operatic roles. Highlights include Peter Quint in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, Tamino in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Ferrando in Così fan tutte, and Aeneas in Dido and Aeneas. He has worked with Opera Reading Project, Mixed Precipitation, and performed in ensemble roles with Minnesota Opera.
He graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College and trained with the Savannah VOICE Festival, New York Opera Studio, and Metro Opera Workshop of Detroit. His mentors include Sherrill Milnes, Gregory Kunde, and the late Nico Castel.
Photo: Daniel Welch Media
