James Shaw

James is a member of the Louisiana Philharmonic orchestra.  He is now principal viola of the Bard conductors institute orchestra.  In 2005 James participated in a two month U.S. tour with guitar artist Ottmat Liebert.  James has been Principal viola for the Pittsburgh Live Chamber Orchestra, Mckeesport symphony and has been guest principal in many other places.  He holds a Bachelors degree in performance from the University of Denver where he studied with Basil Vendryes and has a masters in performance from Rice university where he has studied with Karen Ritscher and chamber music with Paul Katz, James Dunham and Norman Fischer.  He has attended festivals at Banff, Sarasota, National Repitory Orchestra and California Summer Music. In 1999 he was a finalist in the Sphinx Competition. He plays a viola made by Carleen Hutchins.