Charles Boyd Tompkins, Furman University

One of the outstanding concert organists on the American scene today, CHARLES BOYD TOMPKINS is University Organist and Professor of Music at Furman University, where he has taught since 1986. He also serves as Organist of First Baptist Church, Greenville.

He received his Doctorate in Organ Performance from the Eastman School of Music, and was awarded Eastman’s Performer’s Certificate in recognition of outstanding performing accomplishment. He also holds the Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from Eastman, and the Master of Music from the University of Michigan. His teachers have been Russell Saunders, Robert Glasgow, and Norman Scribner.

Dr. Tompkins has presented recitals and workshops at major churches and universities throughout the United States. Critics have praised his “brilliant technique and musicianship” (The American Organist), “fine sense of control (and) flair for instrumental color” (Charleston, West Virginia Gazette), and “secure command…growing more impressive as the demands became more fierce” (Washington, DC Star-News). He has been a featured performer on American Public Radio’s Pipedreams, and has given several regional premieres of Messiaen’s Meditations on the Mystery of the Holy Trinity.

Dr. Tompkins’ debut CD, Solemnity and Joy, was released in December 2001 (Pro Organo 7136). Of this recording made on the 86-rank Casavant organ of First Baptist Church, Greenville, The American Organist writes: “All of the selections are played with poise and elegance…Dr. Tompkins is certainly equal to all of the challenges of this varied program. Equally impressive are the powerful and well-calibrated rubatos in the Dupré (Cortége et Litanie), the flawlessly controlled passage work in Vierne’s Náiades and the Bach (Prelude and Fugue in D major), and the compelling rhythmic (drive) abounding in the piquant Rorem selection…Dr. Tompkins knows the instrument well, and everything is made to sound wonderful on it.”