Shirley Thompson (composer) facts for kids

Shirley Joy Thompson (born January 7, 1958) is a talented English composer, conductor, and violinist. Her family comes from Jamaica. She creates many types of music, including symphonies, ballets, and operas. She also writes music for TV shows, movies, and plays.

One of her most famous works is New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony, which she wrote in 2002. It was first performed in 2004. Shirley Thompson is also a professor of music at the University of Westminster. In 2019, she received an award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her amazing contributions to music.

Early Life and Learning

Shirley Thompson was born in London, UK. Her parents were from Jamaica. When she was young, she played the violin in youth orchestras in London. She also sang in local choirs in Newham.

She studied music at Liverpool University. Later, she studied how to compose music at Goldsmiths' College. Her teacher there was Professor Stanley Glasser.

Shirley Thompson's Career

After finishing university, Shirley Thompson started writing music 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 performed her music, which mixed classical styles with popular and world music.

Shirley Thompson also learned how to make TV shows at the BBC and Carlton Television. She directed a film called Memories in Mind. This film won an award from the Arts Council and was shown on the BBC in 1998.

Big Orchestral Works

Shirley Thompson began to write for full orchestras. Her work New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony was first performed in 2004. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra recorded it to celebrate London's long history. This piece features the orchestra, two choirs, solo singers, a rapper, and drummers. It was first planned for the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2002. People have said it was like an early idea for the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony.

She also helped compose the ballet PUSH with Andy Cowton and Carlos Montoya. This ballet started in 2005 and has been performed all over the world. It was shown in famous places like Sadler's Wells in London and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

In 2007, Shirley Thompson wrote music for an exhibition about the British Slave Trade. This exhibition marked 250 years since the law to end the transatlantic trade of enslaved people was passed. Her piece, The Woman Who Refused to Dance, was performed at the opening. Another work, Spirit of the Middle Passage, was performed by The Philharmonia Orchestra. This piece honored three brave women: Nanny of the Maroons, Dido Elizabeth Belle, and The Woman Who Refused To Dance.

In 2009, the Southbank Centre asked her to write music to celebrate 100 days of Barack Obama's presidency. Her piece, Voice of Change, was performed with an orchestra, singers, and video.

Recognitions and Awards

Shirley Thompson has been recognized many times. From 2010 to 2022, she was listed in the Powerlist. This list names Britain's 100 most influential Black people. She was even in the Top 10 in 2018.

In 2013, parts of her work Mandela Tales were performed in Cape Town. This work was inspired by the book Nelson Mandela's Favourite African Folk Tales.

In 2015, her opera Sacred Mountain: Incidents in the Life of Queen Nanny of the Maroons opened London's Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival.

In 2016, she received the Luminary Award from the University of the West Indies (UWI). This award honors people of Caribbean heritage who have made big international contributions. Famous people like Bob Marley and Harry Belafonte have also received this award.

In 2018, Shirley Thompson wrote a new song called "Psalm to Windrush: for the Brave and Ingenious". This was to celebrate 70 years since the HMT Empire Windrush arrived in the UK. This ship brought many people from the West Indies after the war. The song was performed at Westminster Abbey.

In 2021, her work Song of the Prophets: A Requiem for the Climate was performed online. It was a collaboration with Chineke! Orchestra and Christian Aid to highlight climate change. Also in 2021, her piece Emanation premiered. It was written for BSO Resound, which is the world's first professional orchestra led by disabled musicians.

In 2023, Shirley Thompson was one of 12 composers chosen by King Charles III. She created a brand new piece of 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 other places, like the Victoria & Albert Museum and on BBC Radio 3.

Film and TV Appearances

Shirley Thompson was interviewed for the BBC comedy series Cunk on Earth.

Awards and Achievements

Shirley Thompson has received many awards for her work:

• Arts Council of England
• Southbank Centre Award (2005), for PUSH
• 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)
• Powerlist of Britain's 100 Most Influential Black People (2010–22)
• University of the West Indies (UWI) Luminary Award (2016)
• Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Music (2019 New Year Honours)
• Coronation Medal, 2023

Shirley Thompson's Music

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

• New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony (2004) – a symphony for orchestra, choir, singers, rapper, and drummers.
• Push – a modern ballet (she helped compose it).
• The Woman Who Refused to Dance – for a solo singer, speaker, and orchestra.
• Spirit of the Middle Passage – for solo singers, speaker, and orchestra.
• Viola Concerto, Oslo Odyssey – for orchestral and electronic instruments.
• 100 Days of Barack Obama – for solo voice, instruments, and video.
• A Child of the Jago – an opera.

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

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