Trinity Laban is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Professor Kevin ‘Kit’ Thompson OBE, an internationally respected musician, conductor, educator and cultural leader, who passed away peacefully at his home on 12 September 2026 at the age of 74.
Professor Thompson was made an Honorary Fellow of Trinity Laban in 1995, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to arts education and his commitment to nurturing excellence in the performing arts. Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, he championed the transformative power of music and artistic education, influencing generations of students, artists and cultural leaders around the world.
A musician, conductor and educator of exceptional vision, Kit studied music and education at University College London before undertaking a Winston Churchill Fellowship at the Juilliard School in New York.
In 1988, at the age of 35, he was appointed founding Principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, becoming the United Kingdom’s youngest university president at the time. He later served as President of Dartington College of Arts from 1993 to 2004 before taking up the presidency of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
His commitment to educational innovation continued in Asia through his work with the University of Macau, where he served as the founding Master of Moon Chun Memorial College and later as inaugural Chairman of the Council of Masters. There, he played a significant role in developing a residential college model that fostered students’ cultural, intellectual and personal growth alongside academic achievement.
Professor Thompson’s influence extended far beyond education. A passionate advocate for cultural exchange and international collaboration, he held leadership roles including President of the Macau European Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Macao.
His many achievements were recognised through numerous international honours. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the arts and cultural exchange, and received distinguished honours including France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and Légion d’honneur, as well as Austria’s Grand Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria. He was elected to the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and, in 2022, to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Across every role he held, Kit Thompson was respected not only for his achievements but also for his generosity, intellectual curiosity and unwavering belief in the value of arts education. His leadership helped shape institutions across the United Kingdom and Asia, while his advocacy strengthened the international standing of conservatoire training and creative practice.
Professor Thompson leaves an extraordinary legacy in music, higher education and cultural life. He will be remembered with gratitude and admiration by colleagues, students, alumni and friends across the world.
Trinity Laban extends its heartfelt condolences to Professor Thompson’s family, friends and all those whose lives were touched by his remarkable work and enduring commitment to the arts.