A Celebration of the Music of Rev. Ed Thompson by NYC's Choral Chameleon
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport (“UU Westport”) invites the community to join in celebrating their Minister of Music, the Rev. Dr. Edward Thompson, who is retiring from UU Westport after more than 46 years. Dr. Thompson who has led the congregation’s renowned choral music program, is also a prolific composer and his works will be performed by NYC’s Choral Chameleon Ensemble. 7:30 PM on Saturday, November 16. Ample parking is available and the building is wheelchair accessible.
For over four decades, the Rev. Dr. Ed Thompson has graced UU Westport with his remarkable leadership as music director, leaving an indelible mark since 1978. What began as a part-time position conducting a single choir blossomed into a full-time role, conducting eight choirs across two weekly services. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the congregation ordained him as Minister
of Music in 1997.
With a Master’s from The Juilliard School and a Doctorate from the University of Hartford, Dr. Thompson’s musical brilliance and dedication have profoundly shaped the congregation. Over 46 years, he has guided hundreds of children and adults through choir, offering not only musical training but also spiritual mentorship. His patience and encouragement with the youth choirs have instilled confidence, inspiration, and a lifelong love of music in countless young people. Many of these young adults return from college every year to sing at the Christmas Eve service, a testament to his lasting impact.
Rev. Thompson’s adult choir rehearsals are known for being more than just choir practice—they are part music history, part sermon, and a reminder of the power of teamwork and community. Through his teaching, he has shown that music itself can be a form of worship, connecting us to something greater than ourselves. Throughout his tenure, Rev. Thompson has composed numerous works for the youth, adult, and bell choirs. Among his larger compositions are Celtic Noel, written for choir, uillean pipes, harp, and tin whistle, Seeking Home, a 12-movement piece for choir, guitars, and native flutes dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women, and a children’s musical, The Three Questions.
Beyond the walls of UU Westport, Dr. Thompson has received commissions for a variety of orchestral, choral, organ, and solo works, which have been performed by groups such as the Mendelssohn Choir, Fairfield County Chorale, Music on the Hill Festival Chorus, and Choral Chameleon. His most recent major work, Impetus, a Symphony for Orchestra and Crystal Bowls, was performed at the Norwalk Concert Hall by the American Chamber Orchestra in October.
This concert program features works composed by Dr. Thompson and will demonstrate his diverse and exceptional talent.
Choral Chameleon is a choir based in New York City, founded in 2007 as the vision of Vince Peterson. The core of Choral Chameleon is comprised of professional singers, representing the best combination of musicianship and diversity of musical backgrounds in NYC. They are fearless pioneers in the world of new choral music, having premiered nearly 200 new choral works, and are respected for their adventurous programming, bringing Choral Chameleon’s signature experience to audiences beyond NYC. What is unique about the group is that they do not have a specialty.