James Whitbourn (born 17 August 1963) is a British composer and conductor. James Whitbourn was born in Kent and educated at Skinners' School and Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied Music. His international reputation as a composer developed from his early career as a programme maker at the BBC, during which he produced many award-winning programmes and developed a style known for its direct connection with audiences. His close association with the BBC Philharmonic resulted in three large-scale commissions for voices and orchestra.