Born and raised in Utah, Edgar J. Thompson spent almost a century committed to enriching and furthering the musical landscape of Salt Lake City. He passed away at age 90 on August 18, 2025. A significant part of his legacy remains rooted in the halls of the University of Utah School of Music.
Thompson had an impressive and unique background in physics and mathematics; he received a BS and MS from Brigham Young University. At BYU, he met Carol Joanne Anderson and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. In a distinguished lifetime of living and working, Thompson said many things had brought satisfaction, but none could compare to his “good fortune when [he] met and eventually convinced Joanne Anderson to marry [him]." They had five daughters, 19 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
He worked on aviation projects such as the Hughes Aircraft on the Syncom 1 communication satellite and the Apollo moon-landing in the '60s. In 1971, he accepted a position at Long Beach City College teaching astronomy and physics. At the same time, he studied music at California State University Long Beach (CSULB), where he earned a Master of Arts degree in choral conducting.
He returned to Utah in 1972 and completed his PhD at the U in Music Education. He became Associate Director of Choral Activities at CSULB in 1973 before he was offered a position at the U in 1978.
Thompson spent the next 25 years at the U School of Music. His role as an educator shaped the School of Music’s choral program. He conducted the A Cappella Choir and took them on many performance tours including Los Angeles, Washington D.C, New York and eight tours of Europe.
“His passion for music was the best contagion,” said former student, Kayleen Oldham. “I always wanted to sing my very best under his direction. I feel so blessed to have known him and perform for and with him during his last years directing the A Capella at the University of Utah.”
Simultaneous with his tenure at the U, Thompson served as the Director of the Utah Symphony Chorus for 21 years.
“Probably the one undertaking he loved the most was fostering the idea of the Messiah Sing-In, initially promoted by the Utah Chorale but which eventually came to be a regular part of the Utah Symphony Season,” said choral singer, Jeanne Leigh-Goldstein. “His legacy lives on, not only through those of us who sang with him but through very accomplished choral conductors whom he mentored.”
Thompson was a beloved teacher, albeit reluctant administrator. He served as Chair of the School of Music from 1979-2001 and transformed the School of Music with the renovation of David P. Gardner Hall which included the construction of Libby Gardner Concert Hall—an elegant and acoustically rich concert hall with a Lively-Fulcher pipe organ. He also designed and oversaw the expansion of the building to include the atrium, offices, and practice rooms. The School of Music’s grand ballroom was later named the Thompson Chamber Music Hall and he was honored at the Camerata Awards Gala in 2011.
"I met Ed when he was chair of the then Department of Music and I interviewed for the job of assistant professor in Theory/Composition. He came across as a good listener, kind and unassuming, but soon after I was hired, I realized what a remarkable administrator he truly was—able to take on huge projects like the 3-year renovation and expansion of Gardner Hall from 1997 to 2000,” said Professor Miguel Chuaqui.
“His leadership was transformative. Years later, when I was Director of the School, he became a generous mentor. Often, Ed would remind me that I could call him any time, especially—as he would put it—'whenever you feel you have to let off some steam.' I remember those phone conversations fondly."
Although "strenuous, but highly rewarding" Thompson said the years he spent renovating the School of Music’s home were among his most meaningful. The Edgar J. Thompson Music Education Scholarship was established in 2006 in honor of Thompson in recognition of his years of service. School of Music students and future students will continue to benefit and flourish in the spaces and learning environment Thompson was dedicated to cultivating.