James Boyd Hoare is an Australian screen composer and pianist whose work spans feature film, television, and immersive performance. Known for blending intimate chamber writing with deep electronic sound design, his scores explore emotional depth, tension, and atmosphere through a distinctly cinematic lens. Classically trained at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, James draws on both traditional orchestration and contemporary production to create music that moves fluidly between acoustic and electronic worlds.

His recent screen credits include the feature film Pater Noster, Ellesandra Hill’s short film Under the Trees, and the shorts Not Nice and Expresso. His work has also appeared in international television including Bondi Rescue, alongside the SBS On Demand release of The Little Things. Across these projects, James has developed a reputation for emotionally driven scoring that supports narrative through texture, space, and evolving sonic detail.

Beyond the screen, James’ concert works and immersive performances have become a defining part of his artistic identity. His large scale audio visual concert Resonance, performed at the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Pier 2 3 with senior members of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, merged live electronics, chamber ensemble, and architectural lighting design to create an expansive live cinematic experience. His chamber writing has also been recognised with a nomination for Chamber Work of the Year at the Art Music Awards, highlighting his growing presence within Australia’s contemporary classical landscape.

Alongside his composition work, James has held creative residencies with Church Street Studios and ABC Classic, and maintains an ongoing artistic partnership with the French instrument maker Expressive E, integrating the Osmose synthesiser into both his film scoring workflow and live performance practice.

In 2024, James released his debut album Rite of Passage, an eight part neo classical work recorded at Studio 301 that traces themes of loss, transformation, and renewal. Whether composing for screen, stage, or installation, his music is defined by a balance of fragility and power, positioning him as one of Australia’s emerging voices in contemporary screen music.