“A shining tenor…”

Artwork: Lee Becker, Lindsborg, KS. Sketched live during a performance in 2024.

> Overview

James Reese delivers dynamic performances that connect audiences to music. A specialist in early repertoire and a champion of new works, James’ rare ability to impart emotional immediacy on music from Bach to the present day has earned him overwhelming critical acclaim over the course of a multifaceted career. 

He brings his "shining tenor and forthright delivery” to a wide range of projects in the 2025-26 season. Of particular note: Messiah with the Kansas City and Baltimore Symphonies and St. Thomas Fifth Avenue (NYC); a featured recital with soprano Maya Kherani at Opera Lafayette; A Bach Celebration with Tafelmusik alongside soprano Myriam LeBlanc; a re-staging of Concert Theatre Works’ Markus Passion with storied actor Joseph Marcell; and a series of recitals with his collaborator, lutenist Brandon Acker. He also looks forward to collaborating with the Apple Hill String Quartet, recording and giving the world premiere of Gregory W. Brown’s Rural Hours.

​Contact James • Schedule • Biography • LISTEN • Mailing List

> Overview

James Reese delivers dynamic performances that connect audiences to music. A specialist in early repertoire and a champion of new works, James’ rare ability to impart emotional immediacy on music from Bach to the present day has earned him overwhelming critical acclaim over the course of a multifaceted career. 

He brings his "shining tenor and forthright delivery” to a wide range of projects in the 2025-26 season. Of particular note: Messiah with the Kansas City and Baltimore Symphonies and St. Thomas Fifth Avenue (NYC); a featured recital with soprano Maya Kherani at Opera Lafayette; A Bach Celebration with Tafelmusik alongside soprano Myriam LeBlanc; a re-staging of Concert Theatre Works’ Markus Passion with storied actor Joseph Marcell; and a series of recitals with his collaborator, lutenist Brandon Acker. He also looks forward to collaborating with the Apple Hill String Quartet, recording and giving the world premiere of Gregory W. Brown’s Rural Hours.

​Contact James

Schedule

Biography

LISTEN

Mailing List

> Acclaim

Reviews

“James Reese possesses a splendid sense of momentum and storytelling…”
Fanfare

“His voice is bright, agile and full of heart…dazzling”
The Washington Post

“His impressive tenor can deliver stentorian declamation and shape a lyrical line in exquisite tones…”
South Florida Classical Review

“Particularly arresting…hugely seductive… this performance demonstrated that power in music can come just as much from ease as from force, in fact, perhaps even more so.”
Opera Today

“Captivating…James Reese flaunts a tenor that’s tailor-made for Bach”
The Broad Street Review

“Tenor James Reese was the newcomer, and without doubt he will be remembered and welcomed back in the future. He sang with remarkable clarity of diction and vocal focus….a very strong impression.”
The Calgary Herald

“The biggest discovery of the night for me was tenor James Reese. His clear voice was so effortless…”
Parterre

“James Reese was one of the perfectly tuned tenors, down to the most filigreed coloratura and the bizarre trills on one note that are favored by Monteverdi…”
Bob Levin, classicstoday.com

“dazzling clarity of tone and eloquence of phrasing.”
Chestnut Hill Local

“Tenor James Reese sang splendidly as the narrator”
San Francisco Chronicle