James McCarthy (b1979) is a composer of choral music, opera and orchestral works. He studied music at Royal Holloway, University of London, where his composition tutor was Simon Holt, and has received commissions from numerous ensembles, including: Crouch End Festival Chorus, Scottish Opera and Canty. His music has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, BBC London 94.9 and RTE Lyric FM.
   A  critically-acclaimed recording of his vocal work The Stars in their Courses is available on Linn Records (click here for details). 
   His largest work to date is 17 Days, a choral work commissioned by Crouch End Festival Chorus and inspired by the Chilean mining accident of 2010. 17 Days was premiered at Barbican Hall, London, in February 2012 and received a standing ovation. Read the 17 Days blog here.
   James was born in London and currently lives in Surrey with his wife Charlotte, daughter Rachel, and two cats.