James Nickel

About James

James Nickel joined the National Symphony Orchestra as third horn in 2008. Currently he has been the Acting Associate Principal horn since 2022. Before joining the NSO, Nickel held the position of Assistant Principal horn with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra from 1999 to 2008, and the position of Associate Principal horn with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra from 1997 to 1999. He has also served as Principal hornist with the Arizona Musicfest, and has performed as guest Principal horn with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Nickel enjoyed staying active as a chamber musician with the Smithsonian Chamber players, the Eclipse Chamber orchestra, and the 21st Century Consort.

In addition to his performance schedule, Nickel is Professor of Horn at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.