James Fogarty was born in Moncton, New Brunswick. He recently received his B.Mus in vocal performance from l'Université de Moncton, where he also studied composition and conducting. He will be pursuing his M.Mus in composition in the fall, and hopes to continue studies in conducting concurrently.

James has written both instrumental and choral works, including Ave Maria, which won first place in the First Annual Canadian Chamber Choir Young Composers' Competition in 2009. His opera, Baba Yaga: Witch of the Forest, was performed at the Capitol Theatre in Moncton in Jaunary of 2010 by the Université de Moncton Opera Workshop. More recently, James wrote The Dawn is Breaking O'er Us, on a poem by Thomas Moore of the same name, for the New Brunswick Youth Choir. In addition to composing, James has conducted numerous ensembles over the course of his university career.