ABOUT A KING'S CHRISTMAS

Keith Thompson plays his powerful improvisations of familiar Christmas carols and the Christmas music of J.S. Bach, Marcel Dupré and Henri Mulet on the pipe organ of Takoma Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Takoma Park, MD. The organ is a 3-manual, 45-rank Goulding & Wood (Indianapolis, IN), Opus 9.

Anyone who has heard Keith Thompson play will not soon forget the impact and energy of his playing. Keith has consistently proved himself as a rare organ virtuoso and master of the instrument and this CD is destined to be a Christmas standard.

THE PLAYLIST
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  1. In Dulci Jubilo, BWV 729 JS Bach
    In Dulci Jubilo, BWV 729 JS Bach
  2. In Dulci Jubilo, BWV 608 JS Bach
    In Dulci Jubilo, BWV 608, JS Bach
  3. In Dulci Jubilo Marcel Dupré
    In Dulci Jubilo, Marcel Dupre
  4. Sheep May Safely Graze, BWV 208 JS Bach
    Sheep May Safely Graze, BWV 208, JS Bach
  5. Sleepers, Wake! A Voice is Calling, BWV 645 JS Bach
    Sleepers, Wake! A Voice is Calling, BWV 645 JS Bach
  6. Fantasy & Choral Variations on Veni Immanuel
    Fantasy & Choral Variations on Veni Immanuel
  7. Go Tell It On the Mountain
    Go Tell It On the Mountain
  8. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
    Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  9. Away in The Manger
    Away in The Manger
  10. Joy to the World
    Joy to the World
  11. O Come All Ye Faithful
    O Come All Ye Faithful
  12. O Little Town of Bethlehem
    O Little Town of Bethlehem
  13. Gloria In Excelsis
    Gloria In Excelsis
  14. The First Nowell
    The First Nowell
  15. Now is Born The Divine Christ Child
    Now is Born The Divine Christ Child
  16. Silent Night
    Silent Night
  17. Carillon-Sortie Henri Mulet
    Carillon-Sortie, Henri Mulet
A King's Christmas
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Click here for HymnProvisations CD / Link to Apple iTunes - Spectacular organ improvisations on the great and glorious hymns of our times.
Click here for Organ Fireworks CD and Link to Apple iTunes - Keith Thompson celebrates American music written for the organ or transcribed to the organ by American composers and arrangers.
Keith Thompson
Keith Thompson is one of the few organists who can draw the listener in to the musical thrill of all the organ has to offer. Keith Thompson is a "musical treasure." - Edward M. Stout, III Organ curator.
Click here for a Calendar of Keith Thompson's San Francisco Appearances

Keith Thompson began playing the piano at the age of four and the organ at the age of seven. He played his first public concert at the age of 11 to an audience of 1500. He has placed in several American and European organ competitions, including being one of the top four finalists in the most prestigious International Concours d'Orgue, Grand Prix de Chartres.

While living in Maryland (1987-1997), Mr. Thompson was Associate Musician and Organist at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Kensington and served two years on the Maryland Arts Council Music Panel.

In 1994 and 1996, Keith performed for the gala opening and during the Christmas season at the White House, playing the Bess Truman Steinway, a piano which rests on the backs of three gold leaf American eagles.

Keith made his debut on the magnificent Skinner Symphonic organ at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, San Francisco on Easter 2001 and was subsequently appointed to the staff. Keith spent a sabbatical year at Central Union Church, Honolulu, HI.

Keith has returned to northern California and may be heard regularly at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor and the Castro Theater, San Francisco. Reviews of his 2004 appearances as guest organist and recitalist at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco are excerpted below.

From the San Francisco Chapter, American Guild of Organist January 2004 Newletter: "In the aftermath of [a cancellation] the San Francisco chapter was very fortunate to have an organist in our own ranks capable of stepping up to the plate and delivering on three day's notice. And deliver in style, he did. Keith Thompson [...] played a stunning recital on the 1998 Austin / Murray Harris / Erben organ of St. Mary's College Chapel in Moraga."

Comments - Grace Cathedral 2004 appearances: "Brrrravo! Not since G. Donald Harrison himself have the registrations of the [Grace Cathedral Organ] sounded so good. Your registrations really brought out some excitement And, yes, I did notice that you were flying without a net on the Vierne (or, in this case, without music). Way to go! In appreciation," - D.R., a parishoner June 2004.

"The organ music was again spectacular the last two weeks. ... I can't say enough about the way your playing moves the soul." B.R. an organ curator listening to the service netcast. June 2004

"Thank you [Grace Cathedral Staff] for the fantastic recital Sunday with Keith Thompson. It was the best recital I have heard at your church." Douglas R. Sep. 2004.

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