Biography

With a deep-rooted passion for collaboration and musical leadership, violinist/violist James Thompson has carved out a vibrant career as a chamber musician, concertmaster, and music educator. He appears regularly as a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and is concertmaster of the Erie Philharmonic.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Thompson was shaped by the city’s rich musical community from a young age. After progressing through the Suzuki program at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), he discovered a love for chamber music that would inspire him to pursue a career performing with others. Having continued his studies with Paul Kantor in CIM’s preparatory program, Thompson went on to earn his Bachelor of Music, Masters, and Artist Diploma degrees from CIM under the guidance of Jaime Laredo and William Preucil.

Thompson’s artistry has brought him to chamber music stages across the country, including Music@Menlo, Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, ChamberFest Cleveland, Linton Chamber Music, La Musica, Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City, Harris Theater Presents, the Four Arts Society, and Parlance Chamber Concerts, among others. Solo engagements include appearances with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Asheville Symphony, the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and the Blue Water Chamber Orchestra. He was invited to perform in Budapest as part of the First Bartok World Competition and in Sendai for the Seventh Sendai International Violin Competition.

In May 2025, Thompson was appointed concertmaster of the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, he serves as concertmaster of Cleveland’s BlueWater Chamber Orchestra and Caroga Lake Music Festival’s chamber orchestra. His artistic leadership extends beyond the concert hall; as director of Music@Menlo’s Winter Residency, Thompson curates artist residencies that blend dynamic performances with education and community engagement, building bridges between musicians, students, and local audiences. 

Committed to fostering the next generation of musicians, Thompson enjoys working with students as both a private instructor and a chamber music coach. In addition to leading recent masterclasses in New York, Chicago, and Cleveland, he served as guest professor for Juliana Athayde at the Eastman School of Music. As a coach for Music@Menlo’s Young Performers Program from 2019 to 2023, Thompson introduced talented young artists from across the globe to the world of chamber music. He views his work with students as a meaningful extension of his artistic mission, and he feels grateful to have the opportunity to share with others the joy he has found making music.

James Thompson currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Outside of his musical career, he enjoys speed chess, wildlife photography, and selecting additions for his collection of fine teas.