Michael Thompson

Tenor Michael Thompson's passion for singing began in the small choir of St. James' Anglican Church, under the direction of Dr. John Tanner. There, he was exposed to a wide variety of choral music, performing solos in Allegri's Miserere, and Bach's Saint Matthew Passion. He also attended two summer sessions of the Toronto Diocesan Choir School, under the direction of Giles Bryant.

Michael participated in the Winnipeg Music Festival, and sang in two operas with the boys' chorus, under Stewart Thomson. In 1981, he joined All Saints' Anglican Men and Boys' Choir, directed by Donald Hadfield. There, he received intensive musical training, participated in festivals, performed solos with the Winnipeg Singers and toured extensively in England.

During the course of his studies, Michael participated in musical theatre and studied trumpet. He later joined the Naval Reserve unit HMCS Chippawa, where he was a bandsman for 7 years. While attending the University of Manitoba School of Music, Michael sang with the University Singers, under Henry Engbrecht. A passion for early music led Michael to be a founding member of the early music ensemble Camerata Nova. He also heads an eight voice men's choir by the name of 8ctavo. Along with all of that, Michael finds the time to be the president/manager of the Winnipeg Boys Choir, of which his son is a member. Michael is proud to serve the choral community in his day job at the Canadian Choral Centre.

Mike, his musical mate Yanna and their 4 kids take every opportunity to be outside and participate in the music of nature. They can often be found around a good campfire, playing didjeridu under the stars.