Born in Scotland, Bryden Thomson studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and in Europe with Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt and Igor Markevitch. He worked with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra as assistant to Ian Whyte after whose death he undertook some 250 engagements in two years. He was Principal Conductor of the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra from 1968 to 1973, Principal Conductor and Music Director of the Ulster Orchestra from 1977 to 1985, and undertook guest conducting engagements with orchestras such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Scottish National and Scottish Chamber orchestras. His work in the operatic field included posts with Norwegian Opera and Scottish Opera. Bryden Thomson died in 1991.