James Deignan
James Deignan is a composer of choral music and musical theater based in Wuxi, China. A proud Luther College and University of St. Thomas graduate, James has been mentored by educators such as Andrew Last, Allen Hightower, and Phillip Shoultz, Bert Pinsonneault, and Karen Howard, among others.
James has been commissioned by Luther College's Collegiate Chorale and Nordic Choir; Turtle Creek Chorale; San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus; and many high school choral programs across the Midwest. He has also had his works performed by the Northern Arizona University Shrine of Ages Choir, North Dakota State University choirs, and various other university ensembles. James' music received its Carnegie Hall debut in 2019. He and his creative partner (and wife) Christine Deignan debuted their high school musical theater song cycle Primer in the fall of 2021. The original cast album for Primer can be found an all streaming platforms.
James teaches IB Music at Boston International School in Wuxi, China and practices Buddhist meditation, and enjoys storytelling and art of all kinds in his free time.