James Wood

James Wood is a British composer, conductor, and percussionist celebrated for his adventurous explorations of choral music and contemporary classical sounds. With a career spanning decades, he’s known for blending Renaissance polyphony with modern experimental techniques, as heard in works like *Cloud-Polyphonies* and his interpretations of Gesualdo’s haunting *Sacrae Cantiones*. A champion of vocal complexity, Wood founded the New London Chamber Choir and has collaborated with ensembles like the BBC Singers, often diving into spiritually charged or cross-cultural projects like *Kalavinka* (inspired by Buddhist texts) or *Khamush*. His releases, such as *High Renaissance* and *Tongues of Fire*, reflect a deep fascination with layered textures and the visceral power of voices—think ancient meets avant-garde. Whether conducting or composing, Wood’s work feels both timeless and boldly inventive.

Genres

Experimental

Classical

Contemporary Classical

Avant-garde

Minimalism

Choral

Chamber Music

Renaissance

Polyphony

Latest Release

Kalavinka

James Wood

Single - Released March 1, 2024