James Tolksdorf, born in Dortmund, began his vocal studies at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Frankfurt am Main. After receiving his Bachelors degree, with the recommendation of the world-renowned bass-baritone Simon Estes, he won a full scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City in order to successfully complete his studies.

Besides his work as an opera singer he appeared in solo programs at the Leipzig Gewandhaus, at the Konzerthaus Dortmund, Philharmonie Essen and Pavarotti Center in Mostar (Bosnia) as well as live performances on radio broadcasts and television.

His roles include amongst others Jochanaan in Salome by Strauss, Verdi roles such as Jago in Otello, Rigoletto in Rigoletto, Il Conte di Luna in Il Trovatore, Germont in La Traviata, Michele in Il tabarro by Puccini, Sharpless in Madame Butterfly, as well as Wagner roles: Kurvenal in Tristan and Isolde, Klingsor in Parsifal and the Dutchman in The Flying Dutchman.

In 2015, James Tolksdorf won the Theater and Audience Award in Detmold for his outstanding achievements.

In this theater season 2019/20 he will make his debut as Enrico in Lucia di Lammamoor by Donizetti at the Theater Hof.