Shirley Thompson: The Trailblazing Composer Who Overcame Obstacles to Make Music History
Shirley Thompson, a pioneering composer and conductor, has defied the odds to make her mark in the music industry. Born to Jamaican parents in Newham, east London, in 1958, Thompson had a passion for the arts from a young age. Her parents, despite not working in the sector, encouraged her to explore her artistic talents.
Although Thompson started playing the violin relatively late, at the age of 11, her talent and determination propelled her forward. She honed her skills and eventually studied composition and musicology at the University of Liverpool. However, she became disheartened by the Eurocentric emphasis in the curriculum, which failed to acknowledge music from other cultures.
Influenced by the writings of James Baldwin and Richard Wright, as well as a visit from singer and poet Gil Scott-Heron, Thompson realized the potential for music to be a powerful political tool. Her master’s thesis at Goldsmiths University of London incorporated social issues into her compositions, with one piece addressing the disproportionate targeting of young Black men by the police.
Thompson’s career took off in the 1980s with appearances on television shows and her composition for the BBC series South of the Border. However, she faced setbacks in the classical music world when her compositions outside of television work were not receiving the recognition they deserved. Thompson believes that her work was deliberately overlooked because it was deemed unconventional at the time.
Undeterred, Thompson redirected her focus to television and worked as a researcher and director for 15 years. Throughout this time, she continued composing. Her perseverance paid off in the early 2000s when she was commissioned to write a large-scale work to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. Titled New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony, Thompson became the first woman in Europe to compose and conduct a symphony in four decades.
Thompson’s unique compositions, drawing inspiration from genres like hip-hop, caught the attention of critics and even influenced the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics directed by Danny Boyle. Her talent also garnered royal recognition, as Prince Charles expressed his interest in hearing her music after she was included on The Powerlist, which celebrates influential Black individuals in the UK.
In another notable commission, Thompson composed a piece for the opening of an exhibition at the Palace of Westminster, London, titled The British Slave Trade: Abolition, Parliament and People. This composition highlighted the triangular trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and celebrated the stories of influential women of African descent.
Thompson’s contributions to the music industry have not only broken barriers but also paved the way for future generations. As a composer, conductor, and entrepreneur, she continues to inspire others with her tenacity and groundbreaking compositions.
Shirley Thompson’s journey from facing obstacles to achieving music history not only showcases her remarkable talent but also serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of diversity in the arts.
