Shirley Thompson (composer) facts for kids

Shirley Joy Thompson (born on January 7, 1958) is a talented English composer, conductor, and violinist. She has Jamaican family roots.

Shirley creates many types of music. This includes big symphonies, ballets, and operas. She also writes music for TV shows, movies, and plays. Her famous work, New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony, was written in 2002. It was first performed in 2004. Shirley Thompson is also a professor. She teaches music at the University of Westminster. In 2019, she received an award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This was for her amazing contributions to music.

Early Life and Learning Music

Shirley Thompson was born in London, UK. Her parents came from Jamaica. From a young age, she loved music. She played the violin in youth orchestras around London. She also sang in local choirs in Newham.

Shirley studied music at Liverpool University. Later, she studied how to compose music at Goldsmiths' College. She learned from Professor Stanley Glasser.

Shirley Thompson's Music Career

After finishing university, Shirley started writing music. She created pieces for concerts. She also worked as a composer for TV, films, and theatre. In 1994, she started her own group called the Shirley Thompson Ensemble. This group helped her combine classical music with popular and world music styles.

Shirley also learned how to make TV shows. She directed a film called Memories in Mind. The Arts Council gave her an award for it. The BBC showed her film in 1998.

Big Orchestral Works

Shirley began to focus on music for large orchestras. Her piece New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony was first played in 2004. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra recorded it. This symphony celebrated London's long history. It features the orchestra, two choirs, solo singers, a rapper, and drummers. People have said it was like a preview for the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Shirley also helped create the music for the ballet PUSH. This ballet started in 2005. It has been performed all over the world. Famous places include Sadler's Wells in London and the Sydney Opera House.

In 2007, Shirley wrote music for a special exhibition. It marked a big anniversary about the end of the transatlantic trade in enslaved African people. Her piece, The Woman Who Refused to Dance, was performed at the opening. Another work, Spirit of the Middle Passage, was played by The Philharmonia Orchestra. It honored three brave women from history.

Music for Special Events

In 2009, the Southbank Centre asked Shirley to compose a piece. It was to celebrate the first 100 days of Barack Obama's time as president. Her work, Voice of Change, was performed in London. It included an orchestra, singers, and video.

Shirley Thompson has been recognized for her influence. She was named in the Powerlist of Britain's 100 Most Influential Black People. This happened many times, starting in 2010.

In 2013, parts of her work Mandela Tales were performed. This music was inspired by stories from Nelson Mandela. It was played in Cape Town, South Africa.

In 2015, her opera Sacred Mountain opened London's Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival. This opera tells the story of Queen Nanny of the Maroons.

In 2016, Shirley received the Luminary Award. This award honors people of Caribbean background who have made a big impact. Past winners include Bob Marley.

In 2018, Shirley wrote a new song called "Psalm to Windrush". This was for the 70th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush ship. The song was performed at Westminster Abbey.

In 2021, her piece Song of the Prophets: A Requiem for the Climate was performed. It was part of an event to highlight climate change. Also in 2021, her work Emanation premiered. It was written for BSO Resound, a special orchestra with disabled musicians.

In 2023, Shirley was chosen as one of 12 composers. They were asked to create new music for the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla.

Teaching and Academic Work

Shirley Thompson is a Professor of Music at the University of Westminster. She has taught there since 2001. She has also given talks at places like the Victoria & Albert Museum. You might have heard her on BBC Radio 3.

Film and TV Appearances

Shirley Thompson was interviewed for the BBC show Cunk on Earth.

Awards and Honours

Shirley Thompson has received many awards for her work:

• Arts Council of England
• Southbank Centre Award (2005), for PUSH
• Newham Council, Department of Culture
• Top TV Music Theme (1990) for South of the Border
• Mannheim Film Festival prize (1990) for Dreaming Rivers
• Prized Pieces, for Memories in Mind (1992)
• Woman of the Year in the Arts nomination (1997)
• Powerlist of Britain's 100 Most Influential Black People (2010–22)
• Chancellor's Award, University of Westminster (2016/17)
• University of the West Indies (UWI) Luminary Award (2016)
• DLitt honorary degree from UWI (2018)
• Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Music (2019 New Year Honours)
• Coronation Medal, 2023

Shirley Thompson's Compositions

Shirley Thompson has written music for many different things. This includes operas, orchestras, dance, TV, and films. Here are some of her selected works:

• New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony (2004) – a big symphony with orchestra, choirs, singers, a rapper, and drummers.
• Push – a modern ballet (she helped write the music).
• The Woman Who Refused to Dance – for a solo singer, a speaker, and an orchestra.
• Spirit of the Middle Passage – for solo singers, a speaker, and an orchestra.
• Viola Concerto, Oslo Odyssey – for orchestral and electronic instruments and multi-media.
• 100 Days of Barack Obama – for a solo voice, a group of instruments, and video.
• The Lodger – music for a play.
• A Child of the Jago – an opera.
• Tapestry Song Cycle – for a soprano singer and a group of instruments.

Her music has also been recorded and released on CDs and DVDs, including:

• New Nation Rising – A 21st Century Symphony
• Newham Symphony Spectacular
• Transition
• Summer Notes
• Anansi Fantasia
• Memories in Mind