James Bulger, Principal Oboe
Born in Tacoma, Washington oboist James A. Bulger was a two-time winner of the Seattle Young Artist's festival, the first time after playing the oboe less than three years. Mr. Bulger received a performance award at Boston University, where he studied with Ralph Gomberg. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and received both a Dean's award and a Master’s degree. He began freelancing in the Boston area when he was still an undergraduate and joined ALEA III during his sophomore year.
Mr. Bulger has been Principal Oboe of the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra since 1983 and is currently the acting principal of the Boston Ballet and Lyric Opera Orchestras. At age 24, he played principal oboe for The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra. He has twice been a fellow at Tanglewood and at the Waterloo Music Festival in Northern New Jersey.
In 1987 Mr. Bulger began his business career selling Honda automobiles for Herb Chambers. He is now the senior selling sales representative in the Herb Chambers Companies, the number one Honda Sales representative in New England, and one of the top 10 Honda Sales Consultants in The United States for 10 out of the last 12 years. Selling nearly 500 new and used cars a year, he divides his time between the oboe, the dealership, and raising his two daughters Elisa and Ana with his wife Mary of 12 years.
Mr. Bulger has made two recordings with contemporary pianist Rick Kuethe.
Updated 12/2002