Biography
Bradley Thompson’s repertoire displays a great deal of versatility in a wide range of both comic and dramatic roles. Carol Rasmussen of the Boulder Daily Camera calls his “a strong, attractive voice with agility and range.” He has made appearances with Opera Colorado where his portrayal of Fiorello was called “expertly delivered” by the Rocky Mountain News. He has also appeared with Capitol City Opera Company of Atlanta, Utah Festival Opera, Opera Fort Collins, and Opera Theatre of the Rockies. Thompson has performed as both Marcello and Schaunard in La bohème, Morales in Carmen, Peter in Hänsel und Gretel, Marullo in Rigoletto, Ping in Turandot, Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Warden George Benton in Dead Man Walking, and the title role in Verdi’s Falstaff. He is especially at home performing the baritone roles of Mozart, having sung the roles of Figaro, Guglielmo, Masetto, and Papageno as well as covering Don Giovanni. He most recently appeared as a guest artist with Colorado State Opera Theatre in the role of Falstaff. He most recently appeared in scenes from Frau Margot and John Brown as part of the National Performing Arts Convention. He will appear in November of this year as the Imperial Commissioner in the Opera Colorado production of Madama Butterfly.
Dr. Thompson is also celebrated for his notable work on the concert stage. He was most recently featured as a soloist in Ein deutsches Requiem with the Littleton Chorale. He has also appeared with the Colorado Symphony, the Boulder Philharmonic, the Jefferson Symphony, and other orchestras along the Front Range. He appeared as a part of the prestigious 2000 Colorado Mahlerfest and was the featured soloist for the opening concert of the 2001 Boulder Bach Festival. Dr. Thompson was also invited as a guest artist for the renowned 121st annual Bethany Messiah Festival. His oratorio credits include performances of the St. Matthew Passion, Messiah, Carmina burana, King David, The Creation, and the title role of Elijah. An avid performer of new music, Dr. Thompson has premiered several new works including David Kirtley’s chamber opera In the Father’s Garden and other works written specifically for him. He also appeared as a guest soloist in the world premiere of Gregory T.S. Walker’s Passion According to St. Toscanini. In 1999, he was asked to perform Gareth Valentine’s moving Requiem in Memory of Those Who Have Died of AIDS.
Bradley Thompson has been a Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was the grand prizewinner in the 2001 Denver Lyric Opera Guild Competition. In 2004, he was the Gold Award winner in the Scammon International Voice Competition.
A native of Norcross, Georgia, Dr. Thompson received his undergraduate degree from Furman University (magna cum laude) where he was inducted into the national society of Phi Beta Kappa. His post-graduate education continued at the Florida State University and the University of Georgia. He received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Colorado. He received training as an apprentice both with Opera Colorado and the Utah Festival Opera and now performs as a member of the Central City Opera Ensemble. Bradley Thompson currently resides in Colorado where he serves as the choir director of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church and is a member of the studio voice faculty of Metropolitan State College.
