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Branden & James
BRANDEN JAMES inspired millions as a finalist on season 8 of America's Got Talent. Described by NPR music as having "dazzling cello and soaring tenor vocals" brings the soulful timbre of James on his cello combined with Branden’s powerful vocals, creating a sound that leaves audiences feeling moved and inspired. They have “become a brand-name in the classical-crossover music world alongside Josh Groban, The Piano Guys, and Jackie Evancho”. The Bay Area Reporter.
Shortly after the release of their debut album Chasing Dreams in 2020, BRANDEN & JAMES were named best unsigned artists in North America by Music Connection magazine. Since forming a duo, they’ve been touring worldwide with their classically inspired pop covers, along with droves of undeniable charm and wit.
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Branden and James offers a variety of configurations to meet individual organizational budget needs:
1. DUO only (cello, vocals, piano)
2. DUO + guest pianist
3. DUO + rhythm trio (piano, bass, drums)
4. DUO + rhythm trio & string quartet
5. DUO + symphony
6. DUO + guest singer only (cello, vocals, piano)
7. DUO + guest singer + rhythm trio & string quartet
Videos
Quotes
“Dazzling Cello, Soaring Tenor Vocals” NPR Music
“Branden & James have become a brand-name in the classical crossover music world alongside the likes of Josh Groban, The Piano Guys, and Jackie Evancho.” Bay Area Reporter
"James Clark, hardly a supporting player, but, rather, a true co-creator and co-star" Robert Windeler, NY Times Music Correspondent
“It’s always a pleasure working with Branden & James. Not only are they talented and fantastic performers, but they are also incredible musicians. The velvet sound of James on the cello, mixed with Branden’s compelling vocal talent creates a unique duo that leaves everyone mesmerized. I guarantee we’ll be hearing much more from them in their careers.” Michael Orland, Music Director
“Branden & James are a music duo whose collaboration brings the power of the operatic voice, with the warmth of the cello for all-around musical richness.” Classical Crossover Magazine
“Their arrangements are all so agreeable and charming that some listeners are bound to wish that their favorite tunes be given the Branden & James treatment.” LondonTheatre1.com
“Branden & James are full of beautiful harmonies that straddle the line between classical music and refined pop.” ArtPublikaMag.com
“2020 winner of Best Unsigned Artists in North America” Music Connection
"Branden James’ singing voice has an incredible range across the album, a confident and authoritative tone shining through every number. James Clark’s trusty cello, meanwhile, is practically personified: taking on a distinct personality of its own, but always in keeping with any given song and its lyrics.” LondonTheatre1
Photos
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PROGRAMS
From Bach to Bieber
Show Opener (Strauss/Tonight from West Side Story)
Let It Go from Frozen
Hallelujah
“Bach-O-Dile Rock”
Chasing Cars
Shallow (Lady Gaga)
Fly Me to the Moon/All of Me
This Is Me (from The Greatest Showman)
Phantom Medley
A Million Dreams
Somewhere Only We Know (played live to music video)
Für Elise Megamix (James piano solo medley)
Love Yourself (Justin Bieber—Acoustic)
Perfect Symphony (Ed Sheeran)
Bridge Over Troubled Water
75 mins total + 15 minute intermission = total of 90 minutes.
Rock the Opera
Elgar Cello Concerto/Nights in White Satin
Coldplay Medley
Wicked Game (Juego Cruel)
I Dreamed a Dream / Bring Him Home
Theme from Game of Thrones
The Winner Takes It All
Thunderstruck (cello solo)
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
Bohemian Rhapsody
Roxanne
Rocket Man / Space Oddity
Wild Horses
House of the Rising Sun
Imagine
Unchained Melody
To Sirs with Love
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
MOONDANCE
GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
BACH-O-DILE ROCK
DELILAH
WILD HORSES
ANGELS
ELEANOR RIGBY
FEED THE BIRDS
FLOWER DUET from Lakme
GRAZIE AMORE MIO (Theme from Love Story)
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER MEDLEY
HEY JUD
Best of Cinema
WRITING’S ON THE WALL
MOON RIVER
STAND BY ME
MY HEART WILL GO ON
CLASSICS MEDLEY:
Wind Beneath My Wings
Rainbow Connection
Tomorrow
Let It Go
I’ve Had the Time of My Life
JOHN WILLIAMS MEDLEY (cello solo)
BARBIE WORLD FUGUE (piano solo)
WHAT WAS I MADE FOR?
MI MANCHERAI
UNCHAINED MELODY
NOW WE ARE FREE from Gladiator
Bios
Group Bio

BRANDEN & JAMES, described by NPR music as having "dazzling cello and soaring tenor vocals" brings the soulful timbre of James on his cello combined with Branden’s powerful vocals, creating a sound that leaves audiences feeling moved and inspired. They have “become a brand-name in the classical-crossover music world alongside Josh Groban, The Piano Guys, and Jackie Evancho”. The Bay Area Reporter. As a musical duo, they’ve been touring extensively around the world since 2016. "Hardly a supporting player, but, rather, a true co-creator and co-star" (Robert Windeler, NY Times Music Correspondent) Australian cellist James Clark, began creating arrangements of familiar tunes that make you listen as you've never heard them before. Branden, a finalist on America’s Got Talent & former tenor at The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Los Angeles Opera; recently penned a memoir entitled, Lyrics of My Life which entered Amazon Books new releases at #9. It was published by Simon & Schuster. Shortly after the release of their debut album Chasing Dreams, BRANDEN & JAMES were named best unsigned artists in North America by Music Connection magazine. Since forming a duo, they’ve recorded four studio albums of classically inspired pop covers, and originals. They recently made their sold-out debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2026-2027 they will embark on a 20-city tour with Live On-Stage featuring special guest, Postmodern Jukebox star, Effie Passero.
Branden James

Branden James inspired millions as a finalist on season 8 of America's Got Talent, and he continues to do the same with his “soaring tenor vocals.” (NPR Music) Branden spent the beginnings of his career singing in residence at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Los Angeles Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Having appeared in concert at The Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center and Trafalgar Square in London, his travels have also honored him with a personal performance for Pope Benedict XVI and the Nelson Mandela family in South Africa. He has kicked off games for The Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Cubs, Whitesox with his own passionate rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” James has also hit the Las Vegas strip, headlining "Spirit of The Dance" In television, he has served as co-host for the wildly popular Afterbuzz TV network and has been a guest on TV shows in The US and around the globe in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, South Africa, Romania, The UK, France, Italy, China, New Zealand, and Australia. He spends much of his time playing in pop-vocal and cello duo, BRANDEN & JAMES. Michael Orland, Music Director of American Idol says of the duo, “It’s always a pleasure working with Branden & James. Not only are they talented and fantastic performers, but they are also incredible musicians. The velvet sound of James on the cello, mixed with Branden’s compelling vocal talent creates a unique duo that leaves everyone mesmerized. I guarantee we’ll be hearing much more from them in their careers.” As a published author, Branden penned Lyrics Of My Life through Simon & Schuster. I’m thrilled to see what the future holds, and I hope my music and my story continue to make a powerful mark on this world.”
James Clark

As an accomplished musician, Australian cellist, James Clark has performed with some of the world's biggest stars including: Idina Menzel, Bernadette Peters, Olivia Newton John, Glen Hansard, Faith Prince, Lea Salonga, Loretta Divine, Sally Struthers, and Rita Moreno.
Holding a Masters Degree in music performance from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, California State University, Long Beach, James was previously tenured in Adelaide, South Australia as a full time music teacher at Immanuel College, where he was Director of Strings from 2007 until the end of 2012. Since 2014, he has been touring around the world as guest cellist with scores of composers, instrumentalists and singers. He is also an accomplished arranger, musical director, and concert pianist. James often plays his solo show entitled, “It’s Not What Ya Think” for various high-end cruise lines such as Celebrity, Azamara, Seabourn, and Regent.





