Loughran, James

James Loughran CBE, DMus., FRNCM, FRSAMD (born 30 June 1931, Glasgow, Scotland) is a conductor. Loughran was chief conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO) from 1965-1971. He subsequently became principal conductor of The Hallé as of the 1971-1972 season, succeeding Sir John Barbirolli. He held the post until 1983, and was conductor laureate of The Hallé from 1983 to 1991. Other work in the UK included conducting the first concert of the newly formed Scottish Chamber Orchestra in 1974. He also led the Last Night of the Proms five times, between 1977 and 1985. He was principal guest conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales from 1987 to 1990. Outside of the UK, Loughran was principal conductor of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra from 1979 to 1983, the first British conductor to be appointed chief of a major German orchestra. In Denmark, he was chief conductor of the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra from 1996 to 2003. He made his American debut in 1972, conducting the New York Philharmonic. Since 1980, James Loughran has been Permanent Guest Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, who made him Honorary Conductor in 2006.