James Lockhart

James Lawrence Lockhart (16 October 1930 – 26 February 2025) was a Scottish conductor, pianist and organist.

Biography Lockhart was born on 16 October 1930 in Edinburgh, the son of Mary Lockhart (née Lawrence), a school teacher prior to her marriage, and Archibald Lockhart, an inspector of weights and measures. He was educated at George Watson's College and subsequently studied music at the University of Edinburgh. He continued his musical education at the Royal College of Music (RCM), where he met Sheila Grogan, a cello student. Lockhart and Grogan married in 1954. The couple had three children, Fiona, Andrew, and Anthony.

In March 1954, Lockhart gave the first UK performance of Frank Martin's Sonata da Chiesa for Viola d'Amore and Organ at All Souls Church, Langham Place with the violist Harry Danks. He worked as a (singing coach) at the , Germany from 1955 to 1956.

Lockhart was director of opera at the RCM from 1986 to 1992.

Lockhart died from complications of dementia on 26 February 2025, at age 94. His widow Sheila and their daughter Fiona survive him. The couple's two sons, Anthony and Andrew, predeceased their father.