John Thompson

B.Mus., LRAM

Director: Conservatory Strings;
Coordinator: Academy chamber music;
Strings Faculty

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John Thompson joined the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in 1971 after completing his musical studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England. With more than 30 seasons with the CPO, he has performed as soloist with the orchestra on many occasions and has appeared on CBC Radio and Television. While continuing to hold his position as Principal Viola, he has been an active chamber musician, appearing with such artists as Henri Temianka, Miriam Fried, the Allegri String Quartet and the Orford String Quartet. He regularly performs with the Kensington Sinfonia and various other chamber ensembles in Calgary.

For much of his career, John has worked with youth orchestras, having directed the Calgary Philharmonic Junior Strings, and the Mount Royal College Junior Orchestra. He conducted the Calgary Youth Orchestra for many years, taking them to international festivals in Australia, England, Scotland, The Czech Republic and Hungary. As a conductor, John has conducted Honour Orchestras in other provinces and guest-conducted throughout the Province of Alberta, most recently with the Civic Orchestra of Calgary.

As a clinician and adjudicator, he is in demand throughout Canada and has been recognized for his services to music with an Alberta Achievement Award from the Province of Alberta and a Distinguished Faculty Award from Mount Royal University. John currently teaches viola and chamber music at the Mount Royal University Conservatory. His students can be found in professional orchestras across the country and in chamber ensembles such as the St. Lawrence and Cassatt String Quartets.