Scott Thomson

Scott Thomson
General and Artistic Director

I am a trombonist and composer whose commitment to open improvisation is at the core of my work. I have performed and recorded my songs on texts by others for singer and dance artist Susanna Hood in many contexts, some involving her superb choreography.

As a producer, I have co-led the Association of Improvising Musicians Toronto, the AIMToronto Orchestra (to work with Anthony Braxton), and the Montreal-Toronto Art Orchestra (to work with Roscoe Mitchell); and founded the Toronto studio venue, Somewhere There.

I have made site-specific compositions for mobile musicians and audiences in unconventional contexts including, notably, the National Gallery of Canada and the Jardin botanique de Montréal. I was Artistic and General Director of the Guelph Jazz Festival 2017-23, prior to my current point since September 2023.

I have given names to every plant in the FIMAV office and in my apartment. Bashar, Clara, and Knut are my favourites.

Photo : Dave Warda