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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson and RAM Students

Michael Thompson and RAM Students

Michael Thompson with Sir Paul McCartney

John Pigneguy, Richard Bissill, Sir Paul McCartney, Richard Watkins, Michael Thompson

Internationally acknowledged as one of the world’s leading horn players, Michael Thompson is a Fellow and holder of the Aubrey Brain Chair at the Royal Academy of Music, where he has taught since 1985. As a conductor, he is known as a fine orchestral trainer, and has received acclaim for his work with young musicians.

He studied at the Royal Academy of Music, and at the age of eighteen was appointed Principal Horn with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Within three years he was offered the Principal Horn position of both the Philharmonia and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He joined the Philharmonia, and remained in that post for ten years, before leaving to pursue his solo and chamber music career.

He has performed worldwide, and his discography includes the major solo horn repertoire, period instrument recordings, and a number of critically acclaimed CDs with his wind quintet and horn quartet. As a member of the London Sinfonietta, with whom he is Principal Horn Emeritus, he has been at the forefront of new music, working with composers ranging from Sir Peter Maxwell Davies to Sir Paul McCartney. As a studio musician, he has played on numerous sound tracks, including Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the Bond films.

Michael Thompson plays on an instrument made by Paxman of London.

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