James Gardiner joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 1999. Since then, James has been able to make himself useful, by being willing and able to play any part put in front of him.
Happy to generally play a supporting role within the TSO's fine trumpet section, he has also had many opportunities to step up and play leading parts as well. In fact, he has spent three and a half seasons as Acting Associate Principal Trumpet, and has been a soloist with the Orchestra.
Like many members of the TSO, James maintains an active freelance career outside the orchestra; film and television recording, contemporary music groups such as Toronto New Music Concerts and Soundstreams, and small ensembles like the TSO Brass Trio, TSO Brass Quintet, and True North Brass, have all been a part of his busy musical life.
Before joining the TSO, James spent nine years as Principal Trumpet of the National Ballet Orchestra, and before that held positions in orchestras in Halifax and Mexico City.
James is also a dedicated cyclist, both as a daily commuter and as an avid road cyclist. He learned to love road cycling over many summers in Prince Edward Island, where he has been lead trumpet for the Charlottetown Festival Orchestra since 1989.