Sanderson (or Saunderson), James (1769–c. 1841)

English violinist and composer. He was self-taught and in 1783 obtained an engagement as violinist at the theatre in Sunderland. Later he taught at Shields, became leader at the Newcastle-upon-Tyne theatre in 1787, and at Astley's Amphitheatre, London, in 1788. He began to write stage pieces and in 1793 went as music director and composer to the Royal Circus (Surrey Theatre).

Works Orchestral stage pieces and pantomimes, including Harlequin in Ireland, Blackbeard, Cora, Sir Francis Drake, The Magic Pipe, Hallowe'en; instrumental interludes for Collin's Ode to the Passions.

Other violin pieces; many popular songs.