Dr. Shirley Thompson

Internationally acclaimed Composer, Conductor and University Lecturer, Dr. Shirley Thompson, was the Keynote speaker at Careers and Lifestyles Expo/Symposium 2008.  Dr. Thompson was invited to the island, from London where she resides to share her exciting and inspiring story of success at the event, which atttracted hundreds of participants.

The eldest daughter of Jamaican parents, who migrated to the UK, Dr. Thompson, began her musical odyssey by playing the violin for different youth orchestras and choral groups. She studied music at the University of Liverpool and specialized in composition at Goldsmiths’ College in London.  She gained her first major commission from the Greenwich International Festival, with a work entitled “Visions” and has since composed themes for film, opera, contemporary dance, ballet, orchestra  and television.

Her career has taken her to world-class heights and she has gained the reputation for being one of the most “original and gifted composers to emerge in contemporary Britain,  the first British woman to have composed a symphony in 30 years and the first black woman ever to do so” Her most recent orchestral work “New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony” (which was commissioned as part of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Festival) was recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and was hailed as a ground-breaking epic.

Dr. Thompson has written other major compositions, which have won her international recognition and acclaim. In 1990, her theme for the BBC Drama, South Of the Border, won her Top Television Music Theme, and her theme for the Channel 4 film, Dreaming Rivers, won a prize at the Mannheim Film Festival. Her Opera, A Child of the Jago, won her a Woman of the Year Award for her contribution to the Arts. Her score for the internationally acclaimed production PUSH, performed by world famous stars of the contemporary dance world, Sylvie Guillem and Russell Maliphant, won the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award and the South Bank Award.

As Britain projects its plans for the next Olympic Games in 2012, Dr. Shirley Thompson has been tipped as a strong contender among other famous composers to write the music for the Olympic Theme.

Dr Thompson was the keynote speaker at Careers And Lifestyles Expo/Symposium 2008, which is an annnual calendar event held by Hamilton Knight Associates Limited, which attracts hundreds of participants as well as thousand of Jamaicans through the media. Prior to the event Dr Thompson was also honoured in a special Awards luncheon, organised by Hamilton Knight Associates Limited, under the patronage of the Mayor  of Kingston, His Worship, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, CD., JP.   Leaders and luminaries from the public and private sectors, as well as cultural ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, CEO's, artists, members of the media, family and fans attened the luncheon.

Managing Director of Hamilton Knight Associates Limited, Mrs. Gillian Rowlands read the citation to Dr. Thompson and inducted her into the HKA Career Hall of Fame. She was presented with a special award designed by artist Evarard Powell, as well as a painting to commemorate the event. Award winning artist Cedric Hanson presented her with one of his special carvings. Mrs. Ruby Martin, OJ and Chairman of The Ward Theatre Foundation delivered the vote of thanks and expressed her appreciation  for the proceeeds of the luncheon, which were donated towards restoration of the Ward Theatre. (see photos of the function)

 Updates on Dr. Thompson's career and achivements

Barack  Obama: 100 days.

Internationally accaimed Composer Dr. Shirley Thompson, in collaboraion with Ziauddin Sardar, author of the book "Will  America Change?" and Amina Adewus, a young, London based, political activist, recently paid tribute to Barack Obama in a special cultural event, which marked his first 100 days in office.  The group consider Barack's presidency the most culturally significant change in modern history.

Dr. Thompson, whose work often relects social and political themes  created four new pieces for the occasion, including one entitled "Voices of Change", which was intercut with video footage of Barack Obama.

Dr. Thompson will be visiting Jamaica in the summer and is eagerly awaited by her family, friends and fans.

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