James Hirschfeld

James Hirschfeld joined the Howard Gilman Foundation in 2018 and currently serves as a Program Officer supporting New York City’s performing arts ecosystem across disciplines. Their work at the Foundation is informed by a lifelong engagement with music, collaboration, cultural institutions, and the evolving realities of artistic life in New York City. James is particularly interested in questions of sustainability, artistic risk, cultural participation, and the role philanthropy can play in fostering a vibrant and equitable arts landscape.

Prior to joining the Foundation, James served as Director of Artistic and Administrative Planning at Miller Theatre at Columbia University, where he worked closely on program planning, artist engagement, organizational strategy, and the presentation of contemporary and experimental performance. James’ broader background spans both nonprofit administration and life as a working musician, experiences that continue to shape his perspective as a funder and arts advocate.

Born in Vermont in 1981, James grew up playing piano before discovering the trombone through jazz and improvisatory music. They later studied at the Eastman School of Music, where collaborative music-making and experimentation became foundational to their understanding of art and community. As a trombonist, James has performed and recorded with a wide range of ensembles and artists spanning jazz, contemporary classical, indie, and experimental music, including Wordless Music Orchestra, Respect Sextet, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Alarm Will Sound, Ensemble Signal, Escort, and many other collaborative projects.

Alongside their work in the nonprofit arts sector, James maintains an active creative practice rooted in improvisation, ambient music, electronic music production, and deep listening. Their recent artistic work explores tenderness, embodiment, vulnerability, and sound as a space for emotional connection and transformation.

James lives in New York City with his partners John and Eric. Their marriage in 2025 continues to shape their understanding of love and artistic possibility.