Bowman, James (1941-2023), a British singer, was one of the world’s leading countertenors, the highest adult male singing voice. Bowman was known for his lyricism and clear, sensitive phrasing. His approach to music developed from his appreciation of early sacred music. He became famous for his interpretation of the British composer Benjamin Britten’s works, particularly the role of Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Bowman made his stage debut in the role in 1967. Bowman was also noted for his performances in the stage works of the German-born composer George Frideric Handel and other composers of the Baroque period.
James Thomas Bowman was born on Nov. 6, 1941, in Oxford, England. He began singing as a boy chorister at Ely Cathedral, in Cambridgeshire, England, before studying at New College, Oxford University. In 1970, he was the first countertenor to sing at Glyndebourne, an annual summer opera festival in East Sussex, England, when he appeared in La Calisto. Bowman made many recordings with the Early Music Consort of London. He appeared all over the world singing in opera, oratorio, contemporary music, and solo recitals. He died on March 27, 2023.
