Gerald Thompson - Unulfo

Countertenor

Gerald Thompson is rapidly gaining attention for his "sterling musicianship and terrific feeling for style and phrasing" as well as his exceptional acting ability and stage presence (San Francisco Classical Voice). The young American countertenor begins his 2006-07 season with a return to the San Francisco Opera stage as Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus. He also makes several important debuts this season including New York City Opera as Guido in Flavio, The Metropolitan Opera as Tolomeo in Giulio Cesare and The International Handel Festival Göttingen as the title role in Giulio Cesare. He also looks forward to his debut with Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Thompson made his San Francisco Opera debut as Prince Go-Go in the American premiere of Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre. Andante magazine praised him as one "of the evenings most delightful performances" and stated that his "supple sound comfortably filled the house." This success led to his return to the company as Unulfo in Rodelinda a role he reprised with Opera Barroca at the Theatro Arriaga Antzokia in Bilboa, Spain.  He also made his Canadian Opera Company debut as Bertarido in Rodelinda under the baton of Harry Bicket.  "Gerald Thompson's tone and virtuoso passagework well suited the tormented Bertarido and made for a hair-raising account of Vivi, tiranno!" raved Opera News.

Other career highlights include his New York debut creating the role of Gavin in the new opera Phoenix Park, a Poet's Journey at Theatre for the New City. Prior to this, he was seen as Sesto in Giulio Cesare with Arkansas Concert Opera and Don Ramiro in La Finta Giardiniera and Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus with Opera Theatre at Wildwood Park.

Thompson has also been featured in concert with several organizations including San Francisco Opera's annual Opera in the Park, The Yerba Buena Gardens Concert Series, Arizona Musicfest, Music at Meyer (San Francisco), Eureka Chamber Music Series, the Basically British Concert Series and  New York Public Library's Donnell Concert Series.

Gerald Thompson has been named the recipient a 2006 Richard Tucker Foundation Career Grant and the 2nd Prize Opera Division and International Media-Jury Prize winner at the 25th International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition. He is also a proud alumnus of the prestigious Merola Opera Program and current Adler Fellow at San Francisco Opera.