Michael Thompson / horn
 
Internationally acknowledged as one of the world's leading horn players, Michael Thompson is also known as a fine orchestral trainer. After studies at the Royal Academy of Music, he was appointed principal horn with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra at the age of eighteen. He was subsequently offered the principal horn positions of both the Philharmonia and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras. He has directed a number of orchestras, including the London Sinfonietta, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Britten Pears Orchestra and Ulster Youth Orchestra. In addition to his classical work, Michael Thompson is very active as a studio musician, playing on sound-tracks such as The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and the Bond films. His work for Sir Paul McCartney resulted in the composition of Stately Horn, which the Michael Thompson Horn Quartet premiered in the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall.