James Bowman Cause of Death, What Did he Die From?
by Janani
Updated Mar 30, 2023
Who was James Bowman?
James Thomas Bowman CBE, a countertenor from England, had a versatile career encompassing opera, oratorio, contemporary music, and solo recitals. In 2010, it was revealed that he would hold his final London concert in 2011 at the Wigmore Hall, though he planned to continue giving recitals outside of London. He had earlier retired from the Chapel Royal at St. James's Palace in London after serving for ten years. James Bowman marked his London debut in 1967 by performing at the inaugural concert of Queen Elizabeth Hall.
James Bowman Cause of Death
Convivium Records has confirmed that James Bowman, the pioneering countertenor, passed away on March 27, 2023, at the age of 81. Bowman began his musical career as a boy chorister at Ely Cathedral and later sang countertenor at Oxford's New College and Christ Church choirs. In the 1960s, it was uncommon for men to sing solos in falsetto and use the countertenor voice, which is similar in range to a female alto, in recordings. However, with the emergence of renowned countertenor Alfred Deller, attitudes toward the voice type began to shift.
How Did James Bowman Die?
The passing of James Bowman, a celebrated countertenor, has left the classical music community in mourning. James died on March 27, 2023, at the age of 81. Bowman was a pioneer in early music and baroque performance practice and graced prestigious stages such as the Royal Opera House, the English National Opera, Glyndebourne, the Paris Opera, and La Scala. John Bowman's musical journey began as a boy chorister at Ely Cathedral and continued when he joined the choirs of Oxford New College and Christ Church.
What Did James Bowman Die From?
The exact cause of death for James Bowman is not known. He collaborated with numerous renowned conductors of the time, and his legacy includes over 130 recordings. Continuing the legacy of Deller, Bowman expanded the scope of countertenor singing and established a blueprint for future singers to follow. Iestyn Davies, a colleague and friend of Bowman's, observed that "any countertenor performing today owes a debt of gratitude to Alfred Deller and James Bowman, who paved the way for their success."
James Bowman Obituary
Catherine Bott, a presenter on Classic FM, has joined other musicians in paying tribute to Bowman's significant contribution to the genre. As a student in 1967, Bowman tried out for Benjamin Britten's English Opera Group and secured the role of Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream, which had originally been written for Alfred Deller's voice. Bowman eventually made the role his own and gained acclaim through his recordings and magnificent singing, which helped popularise his vocal range and bring it to the forefront of classical music.
James Bowman Career
In 1967, James recorded Charpentier's Messe de minuit pour Noël, H.9, with the choir of King's College, Cambridge, and the English Chamber Orchestra under the baton of David Willcocks, which was released by EMI. In 1965, he crossed paths with David Munrow, who invited him to join the Early Music Consort of London. The group thrived from 1967 to 1976, recording extensively and touring frequently. Following Munrow's passing in 1976, the ensemble disbanded, but Bowman remained in collaboration with former members like the conductor and harpsichordist Christopher Hogwood and the lutenist Robert Spencer. During the late 1960s, Bowman was a regular member of the choir at Westminster Abbey.
James Bowman Cause of Death - FAQ
James Thomas Bowman CBE, a countertenor from England.
James Thomas Bowman CBE, a countertenor from England.
James Bowman was born on 6 November 1941.
James Bowman was born in Oxford, England.
James Bowman died on 27 March 2023.