Bronwyn Thies-Thompson

Thesis supervisor: Miranda Crowdus

Thesis working title: Gender Treble: An Ethnography of Professional Liturgical Child Choristers in Canada

Bronwyn Thies-Thompson (they/them) is a musician and researcher, currently pursuing their PhD in Religion at Concordia University. Bronwyn maintains a busy performance career, as a classically-trained soprano sought after for their inspired performances, regularly collaborating with the leading early music and contemporary music groups in Canada and internationally. Bronwyn's "clean and clear voice" and "natural and assured musicianship," informed by their upbringing as a cathedral chorister and instrumentalist, have been appreciated during collaborations with the Tallis Scholars and Dame Emma Kirkby, among others, while their voice has also been featured on film soundtracks and award-winning discs. Their 20-year ongoing practice as a church musician informs their autoethnographic, creative, and community-focused approach to their research. Bronwyn's SSHRC-supported doctoral research project, Gender Treble: An Ethnography of Professional Liturgical Child Choristers in Canada, examines the gendered musical practice and performance experiences of participants in the professional liturgical child choristership traditions of Canada. They have presented conferences on Anglicanism, choristers, gender and the voice in the UK and across Canada. Bronwyn's artistic and academic practices reflect a deep commitment to exploring the intersections between voice, tradition, and identity,whilst promoting greater access to child choristership training for young musicians of all genders.

bronwyntt.com