Music is an art connecting people from different parts of the world. People who create it are real magicians. At different times, this art form was present and developing in every country. Of course, each nation has its own features and traditions, but the incredible sounds and melodies permeate the whole of our modern world. There are people who have not only mastered playing a musical instrument but also created new masterpieces. One of them is Shirley Thompson from London. The composer’s creative activity includes incredible ballets, beautiful operas, amazing symphonies and other world-famous performances. Learn more at londonka.
Introduction to music and first career steps
Shirley Thompson was born into a Jamaican family in London on January 7, 1958. Music has been present in her life since childhood. Her first hobby was playing the violin. Her early experience can be considered playing in London youth orchestras. Then she began to sing in local choirs, and later, decided to devote her whole life to music. Shirley Thompson graduated from Liverpool University. After that, she studied composition at Goldsmiths’ College. Music became an integral part of her life and brought her popularity.
Music career
The largest part of Shirley Thompson’s creative output consists of solo and instrumental ensemble works for concert halls. She was engaged in this activity for quite a long period after graduation. However, one of the main reasons for her growing popularity was the creation of music for a major BBC drama series. Shirley Thompson is known as the first woman to do so. Another significant component of Thompson’s creative activity was her work as an independent composer for television, films and theatre. In 1994, she formed the Shirley Thompson Ensemble, which allowed her to combine contemporary orchestral music with popular and classical styles. A little later, this professional interest grew into the creation of the Memories in Mind: Women of the Windrush Tell Their Stories film, which was broadcast by the BBC in 1998. The film was awarded by the Arts Council.
One of Shirley Thompson’s most famous musical works was the orchestral composition New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony. It took some time to create it, but the result was impressive. Although the composition was written in 2002, it was first performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2004 to celebrate one thousand years of London’s history. That event remained forever in the memory of visitors. The incredible combination of an orchestra, solo singers, two choirs, a rapper and drummers formed harmonious melodic sounds floating in the air. Then Shirley travelled a lot. The composer visited Greece, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, the USA, Australia and many other countries, where she showed her amazing talent. In 2007, Shirley Thompson returned to her homeland to compose music for the opening of the exhibition The British Slave Trade: Abolition, Parliament and People. The performed composition The Woman Who Refused to Dance was arranged for a soprano, performer and orchestra. Many people were also impressed by Spirit of the Middle Passage, which was performed by three solo singers and a chamber orchestra. In general, Shirley Thompson created many other incredible musical works that became famous all over the world. Other musicians and influential people admired the composer’s talent many times. Her awards include the Southbank Centre Award, Chancellor’s Award, Luminary Award, DLitt honorary degree and many others.