James Morley Potter

James Morley Potter serves as Precentor and Director of Music at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he directs the Chapel Choir and supervises all college music activities. With a background in Music from The Queen's College, University of Oxford, and diplomas from the Royal College of Organists, he brings extensive expertise to his role.

His research interests span choral music, conducting techniques, historical sacred music, and contemporary composition. Potter is particularly known for championing new works while maintaining strong connections to historical traditions, especially Restoration-era music.

His publications focus primarily on historical choral works, with his 2019 recording of Henry Aldrich's Sacred Choral Music representing a significant scholarly contribution to the field of Restoration-era English music.

• Second prize in the international Northern Choirs Conducting Competition (2023)
• Choral Directing Diploma of the Royal College of Organists (John Brook (IAO) Memorial Prize)

Potter actively mentors musicians through his teaching of conducting and musicianship to Cambridge undergraduates, and through his leadership of various ensembles including the New Cambridge Singers. He is currently developing the University of Cambridge's Choral Foundation Scheme to expand access to choral training.

His work extends to multiple musical communities through positions with Cantata Dramatica, the Danish National Vocal Ensemble, and various choral societies across England.