Described as a “supremely nuanced” (Gramophone), “remarkable baritone” (Opera News), Chris Thompson is an artist noted for compelling performances on stage and in the concert hall. He has performed leading lyric baritone roles ranging from Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia to the title role in Elijah to Carl Magnus in A Little Night Music.

A strong advocate of new music, Chris made his Carnegie Hall debut singing Posh, a song cycle by composer Mohammed Fairouz. Chris has appeared in several world premieres including: Michael Murray’s song cycle Neutral Tones (Parma New Music Festival), Guest from the Future (Lincoln Center), The Scrimshaw Violin (92nd Street Y), Box and Cox (University of Utah) and Hester Prynne at Death (Mercantile Library, NYC). In addition, Chris made his Off-Broadway debut in Fermat’s Last Tango. His performances have been featured on recording labels such as: Naxos, Original Cast Recordings, Albany Records, Koch-Schwann, Novana Records, and A Life of Music Records. Chris’s latest recording of Franz Liszt lieder was part of a massive project that included over 10+ hours of Franz Liszt piano repertoire with acclaimed pianist, Steven Spooner under the Post Haus label.

Chris has sung over 75 roles in opera, operetta, and musical theatre. He has served as conductor and musical director on many occasions ranging from The Man of La Mancha with Lyric Opera San Diego to The Wizard of Oz at Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre where he worked with two fabulous witches: Ellen Travolta, as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Margaret Travolta, as Glinda, the Good Witch. They both happen to have a brother named John, and he loved the show!

Chris is a devoted teacher of successful singers and teachers throughout the country and often serves as an adjudicator/master clinician at regional, national, and international festivals and competitions. He presently serves as Professor of Music at Missouri State University where he teaches voice, Diction for Singers, and is musical director of MSU Opera Theatre.