James Eastaway is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on 14th June 1958 in London, England. From a young age, Eastaway showed a keen interest in music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. He began playing the clarinet at the age of 10 and quickly developed a natural talent for the instrument. Eastaway's early musical education was at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied under the tutelage of Jack Brymer, one of the most respected clarinetists of his time. Eastaway's talent was evident from the start, and he quickly became one of Brymer's star pupils. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Music with honors in 1979. After completing his studies, Eastaway began his professional career as a freelance musician, performing with various orchestras and ensembles. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented clarinetists of his generation, and his career took off. In 1982, he was appointed principal clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. Eastaway's tenure with the London Symphony Orchestra was a highlight of his career. He performed with the orchestra for over 20 years, during which time he played on numerous recordings and performed in some of the world's most famous concert halls. He was also a regular soloist with the orchestra, performing works by Mozart, Brahms, and other great composers. In addition to his work with the London Symphony Orchestra, Eastaway was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. He performed with some of the world's most renowned musicians, including pianist Martha Argerich and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. He also performed at some of the world's most prestigious music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival. Eastaway's talent and dedication to his craft were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1985, he was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Instrumentalist of the Year award, and in 1992, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music. He was also a fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. Eastaway's career was tragically cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2004. Despite his illness, he continued to perform and record, and his final recording, Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, was released in 2006. He passed away on 12th October 2006, at the age of 48. Eastaway's legacy lives on through his recordings and the countless musicians he inspired throughout his career. He was a true master of his craft, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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