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. An active member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Thompson has performed for venues across the country, including Alice Tully Hall, Weill Recital Hall, Music@Menlo, Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, and ChamberFest Cleveland. Solo engagements include appearances with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Asheville Symphony, and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Thompson was recently appointed concertmaster of the Erie Philharmonic 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. Thompson holds Bachelor of Music, Masters, and Artist Diploma degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music; his primary teachers include Jaime Laredo, William Preucil, and Paul Kantor.