The remaining instrumentalists unanimously turned to the finest horn soloist they knew to take his place, and Michael Thompson had no hesitation in accepting the invitation to head the illustrious group.
The original Quintet, which brought together five of London's leading wind-players, was formed in 1969 and in the course of the next two decades performed in Russia, Australia, the Far East, Europe and the United States.
The Ensemble today is of impeccable pedigree, each player a soloist in his own right. Michael Thompson himself is in great demand throughout the world as a teacher and, in addition to his post as horn professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London, has given masterclasses in the United States, Japan and Australia. As soloist/director he has recorded Mozart's complete works for horn and orchestra with the Bournemouth Sinfonietta.

The Members of the Quintet:
Michael Thompson was appointed Principal Horn of the Philharmonia at the age of 21, but resigned in 1985 to pursue a solo career.
Jonathan Snowden became Principal Flute of the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1985 after holding the same position with Opera North and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Derek Wickens, a founder member of the Barry Tuckwell Wind Quintet, was Principal Oboe with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for eighteen years, and since 1981 has held the same place in the Opera Nationale in Brussels, a position that allows him time for solo engagements.
Robert Hill is Principal Clarinet of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and has performed widely with the London Sinfonietta and the Nash Ensemble.
John Price began his orchestral career as Principal Bassoon of the Ulster Orchestra, and moved to take that role in the London Philharmonic in 1997.

The Quintet began an extensive series of recordings for Naxos in 1994 which include music by Franz Danzi, Anton Reicha, Franz Krommer together with more rarely-heard twentieth century works by Hindemith, Barber, Larsson and Janacek in which "The Thompson Quintet captures every pleasing moment" according to the American Record Guide.

see also:
Michael Thompson Horn Quartet, Michael Thompson Wind Ensemble, Michael Thompson Wind Quartet, Michael Thompson Wind Quintet