


Gourlay's career as a chamber musician and soloist continues to flourish. He continued working at the BBC Symphony Orchestra for ten years, then performed for an additional ten years with the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera. Being the tallest in class, he was serendipitously given the tuba, an instrument he loves and continues to promote all over the world.Īfter much success as a solo champion, Gourlay entered the Royal College of Music but left after a short time to become the Principal Tuba of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at the age of eighteen. James Gourlay was born in Scotland, where, at the age of ten, he was "volunteered" to play in his school brass band.
