About
Ireland
Born in Clarecastle, Ireland, he studied in Dublin with Mary Brennan and répétiteur Mairead Hurley at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and the D.I.T. Conservatory of Music and Drama. Following two years in the opera studio of the Bayerische Staatsoper, he subsequently became a full-time member of the ensemble and remained there for another nine years. Now a freelance singer, his recent engagements include his debut at the Teatro Real in Madrid as Graf Elemer (Arabella), at the Salzburg Festival as Gherardo (Gianni Schicchi) and Venditore di canzonette (Il Tabarro), at the Salzburg Easter Festival as Heinrich der Schreiber (Tannhäuser), and his return to Irish National Opera with Belmonte (Die Entführung aus dem Serial) and Ferrando (Così fan tutte). He joined the Dudamel Foundation in Venezuela to sing Jaquino in a unique semi-staged performance of Fidelio under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel—a performance specially created for both deaf and hearing audiences.
During the 2023-2025 seasons, he joined Cork Opera House as a Cara O'Sullivan Associate Artist performing Don José (La Tragédie de Carmen), Tamino (The Magic Flute), and multiple concerts throughout the season. On the concert platform, he has performed with The Irish Baroque Orchestra( Händel’s Messiah and Acis and Galatea),The Irish Chamber Orchestra( Die Entführung aus dem Serial), The National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland( St. John Passion), The Ulster Orchestra (Elijah), Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra (Mozart Requiem) as well as Verdi’s Messa di Requiem at Cadogan Hall, London, Limerick and Maynooth, Ireland. In recital, he performed the world premiere of The Great Irish Poets Songbook in Munich, followed by performances in Ennis, Waterford, Cork, Maynooth and Newfoundland. These songs have been composed by James Hurley. Dean has collaborated with James in developing them. As part of the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival in 2024, he performed the role of Salieri (La Zingarella).
James Hurley
Newfoundland / Germany
James Hurley is a Canadian pianist, composer, and educator whose work is increasingly shaping contemporary vocal music. Known first as an improvising performer, he brings rare fluency, architectural clarity, and emotional precision to his compositions.
In late 2022, Hurley began writing art song for voice and piano. The results were immediate and unmistakable. His work quickly gained international recognition, including being the top prize recipient of the NATS Art Song Competition (2026)—a distinction that marks a composer whose voice has arrived fully formed.
Hurley’s music is defined by its honesty and depth. His lyrical writing has been praised as compelling and powerful, not through excess or ornament, but through an uncommon ability to distill meaning and connect directly with performers and audiences alike. His work reflects a composer to watch—and increasingly, one to know.
