Through his boundless approach to music making, his collaborations with a vast array of artists from many different walks of musical life, his innovative programming and captivating musicianship of the highest order, James McVinnie has carved out a unique career as an organist and keyboard player. 

McVinnie is a key advocate for contemporary music and has had major concerto and solo works written for him by Sam Adams, David Chalmin, artist Martin Creed, Bryce Dessner, Hildur Guðnadóttir, David Lang, Tom Jenkinson/Squarepusher, Nico Muhly, Richard Reed Parry, Tristan Perich, Gabriella Smith amongst many others. He directs the James McVinnie Ensemble, a collective of virtuoso keyboardists dedicated to exploring work often preoccupied with political themes by contemporary and emerging composers.  

Recent and current highlights include concerto appearances with BBCSO/Thomas Adès, Helsinki Philharmonic/Pekka Kuusisto, Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra/Pekka Kuusisto, Bach recitals at Bold Tendencies, Jonny Greenwood’s 8 hour organ piece ‘X Years of Reverb’ at Kilkenny Festival and Ruhrtriennale and solo recitals at Birmingham Town Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, National Concert Hall Dublin, Boston Symphony Hall, London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall and Lyon Auditorium.  

McVinnie has released solo albums on Bedroom Community Records, Orange Mountain Music, Warp Records, Erased Tapes & Pentatone.