MANDELA TALES for Singer, Storyteller & Instrumental Soloists. Wigmore Hall, London. 27 JUNE 2026, 11.30 AM
MANDELA TALES
The African Concert Series
SATURDAY, 27 JUNE, 11.30 AM for Storyteller, Singer & Instrumental Soloists
Inspired by ‘Nelson Mandela’s Favourite African Folktales‘
The show promises an immersive and magical experience with centuries-old folk tales from the African continent performed with Caribbean flair. You are sure to enjoy the wisdom, humour and life lessons of folklore staged in a vibrant, family-friendly performance.
Soloists:
ABIGAIL KELLY Singer/Storyteller
ROWLAND SUTHERLAND Flute
AALIYAH BOOKER Violin
MELISSA E. MORRIS Piano MOUSSA DEMBELE Percussion SHIRLEY J. THOMPSON Director/Violin
For tickets please call Wigmore Hall Box Office 0207 935 2141 https://www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/202606271130
SEVENTH SENSE: INCIDENTS IN THE LIFE OF QUEEN AMANIRENAS FOR DANCE & ORCHESTRA PREMIER – 7 MARCH 2026, CHICAGO – HARRIS THEATRE
Saturday, March 7, 2026 – 7:00 PM Harris Theater (Chicago Loop) https://chicagosinfonietta.org/still-i-rise/ Call 312-284-1554 for details.
SEVENTH SENSE: INCIDENTS IN THE LIFE OF QUEEN AMANIRENAS FOR DANCE & ORCHESTRA PREMIER – 6 MARCH 2026, CHICAGO, WENTZ HALL
Friday, March 6, 2026 7:00 PM Wentz Concert Hall (Naperville) Wentz Concert Hall 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL 60540 https://chicagosinfonietta.org/still-i-rise/ Call 312-284-1554 for details.
PSALM TO WINDRUSH – CANADIAN PREMIERE at UNIVERSITY OF REGINA, 21 FEBRUARY 2026
21 February 2026 – University of Regina Choirs Concert conducted by Dr Melissa Morgan perform Psalm to Windrush: for the Brave & Ingenious for SATB Choir. University of Regina, Canada.
NEW ALBUM RELEASES WITH DEVINE ART RECORDINGS – DECEMBER 2025
I am thrilled to let you know of several new recordings with Devine Art Records that you may purchase/download. Calendrier for Soprano and Piano (2024), performed by superb Alison Smart Fisher and Katharine Durran is recorded on their French Songs II album. Hymn to the Evening for Soprano and Orchestra (2023) is performed by Rachel Farago and wonderful Ed Hugh’s Orchestra of Sound and Light for their Distant Voices, New Worlds album and made The Guardian’s Album of the Month *****in November 2024. Also on this album is a superb performance by the inimitable Rowland Sutherland of Mighty Mandela for Solo Flute (1990). Maestro Sutherland gave the world premiere in 1990 at Stratford Place, London W1. The work celebrates the Hon Mandela’s release from unlawful incarcertion after 30 years of imprisonment on the infamous, Robben Island prison. To purchase please go to https://divineartrecords.com/composer/shirley-j-thompson/
Also available on all digital platforms including: Spotify, Apple, Deezer etc
UNIVERSITY OF WEST INDIES LONDON BENEFIT DINNER on 7 NOVEMBER 2025, GREAT HALL, LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS, LONDON WC1, 6.30 PM.
I am thrilled to be patron again for this year’s UWI London Benefit Dinner on Friday, November 7, 2025, at The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in London. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is themed “Educate to Elevate”. Proceeds from the dinner will support postgraduate scholarships for students researching topics related to climate change.
- Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Venue: The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London, WC2A 3QA
- Theme: “Educate to Elevate”
- Purpose: To raise funds for postgraduate scholarships for students focusing on climate change research
- Honourees: The event will celebrate Caribbean-British honourees, including Baroness Patricia Scotland and Sir Trevor McDonald.
TICKETS FOR THE EVENT ARE AVAILABLE FROM: https://uwilondon.com/
Calendrier from New French Songs 2 at East Finchley Methodist Church, London on 12 October at 6.30 pm
The vivacious duo, Alison Smart Fisher and Katharine Durran, will perform at a programme from their French Songs 1 and 2 recordings in a relaxed Sunday concert at East Finchley Methodist Church, 197 High Road East Finchley, London N2 8AJ on 12 October at 6.30 pm. My song, Calendrier provides the finale!
It’s a free entry with donations to Medecins Sans Frontieres
HOMERTON COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS. 16 OCTOBER 2025
We were honoured to attend and perform for the now calender event, the BHM Formal Dinner at Homerton College.
#LordSimonWoolley & his equally kindly colleagues presented a spectacular event, with a champagne reception, opera performance and splendid dinner.
Ms Rachel Duckett (Soprano) & Ms Connie Luk (Piano) gave a riveting performance of ‘Psalm to Windrush: for the Brave & Ingenious’ from my #opera Women of the Windrush.
Huge thanks to Lord Woolley & all at Homerton College!
NEWHAM ACADEMY OF MUSIC THROUGH THE AGES: ITS IMPACT AND LEGACY SINCE 1965
This Autumn saw the launch of Newham Academy Through the Ages. The school has produced many successful students that have become very successful in various fields of endeavour, including politics!
It’s such a travesty that most school children in state school education do not have these opportunities now. The exhibition runs in east London throughout September 2025 and online thereafter. Details may be obtained at the following link.
From 15th-30th September, the exhibition will be on view at St Luke’s Community Centre, 85 Tarling Road, Canning Town, E16 1HN.
https://www.newhamheritagemonth.org/…/newham-academy…/
MEMORIAL SERVICE for PROFESSOR SIR GEOFFREY PALMER at ST GILES CATHEDRAL, EDINBURGH, 10 OCTOBER 2025
I am greatly honoured to be invited to the Memorial of the very honourable Sir Geoffrey Palmer by his dear Family. The family have also requested some of my music to be performed, including ‘Psalm to Windrush for the Brave & Ingenious’, for SATB Choir & Orchestra, as a part of the event, a piece that epitomises Sir Geoffrey. All the attendees to the Memorial are invited to join the choir in singing Marley Mix, my arrangements of the Hon Bob Marley classics.
A recording was made of the event:
https://www.youtube.com/live/4bnM8xeO4Os?si=UPZoUNMTBeSPxmaV
LA CALLIOPE Orchestra of London at GOODENOUGH COLLEGE, Mecklenburgh Square, London WC1. Saturday, 4 OCTOBER 2025, 5 pm
This newly formed orchestra of mostly Royal College of Music students and alumni, conducted by Maestro Guiseppe Stillitano, will perform PAPA for Counter Tenor and String Orchestra and SEMPLICE SEMPRE for String Orchestra. The mission of the Orchestra is to highlight the historical and present links between British and Italian musicians.
FOUNDERS’ DAY at GOODENOUGH COLLEGE, Mecklenburgh Square, London WC1. Friday, 3 OCTOBER 2025, 5 pm
I am highly esteemed to be made FELLOW in the Humanities Department at Goodenough College, London WC1. At 5.15 pm on 3 October a Proclamation of the new Fellows ‘In Recent Times Elected’ in the London Quad. Goodenough College’s Founders’ Day is celebrated annually to honour the vision and generosity of the College’s founders and benefactors, particularly Frederick and Maive Goodenough. The event marks the end of the welcome period for new students, includes the proclamation of new College Fellows and serves as an opportunity for members, alumni, and fellows to gather, network, and celebrate the College motto “Unity in wisdom: none shall separate,”
Alison Smart Fisher, Soprano and Katharine Durran, Piano perform CALENDRIER at St Mary-at-Finchley Parish Church, Finchley for the launch of NEW FRENCH SONG II CD launch party and concert on Friday, 25 JULY 2025 from 6.25 pm
Tickets are available at: alisonsmartfiaher@gmail.com.
‘PSALM TO WINDRUSH: for the BRAVE & INGENIOUS‘ performance by NADINE BENJAMIN in concert with MARIA THOMPSON CORLEY at the WIGMORE HALL on SATURDAY, 19 JULY 2025 from 3 pm in the AFRICAN CONCERT SERIES.
Leading British Soprano, Nadine Benjamin and virtuoso pianist and composer, Maria Thompson Corley join forces to perform contemporary songs and piano works by African composers at the iconic, Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2BP. Love and sacrifice run as themes in a compelling programme that explores life’s joys and sorrows. The joyous spirit of African women is reflected in a multitude of ways, including the arching melodies of Shirley J. Thompson’s Psalm 84 setting, written for the inaugural Windrush Day Service on 22 June in 2018 performed at Westminster Abbey by the Windrush Soloists (SSTB) & Organ.
Tickets: £18 (concessions £16) https://www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/202507191500?utm_medium=display&utm_source=bachtrack.com&utm_campaign=listinglink
‘A HYMN TO THE EVENING’ in THE SOUTH DOWNS SONG BOOK album, featured as The Guardian’s Album of the Month (November 2024) will be performed by Rachel Farago and Orchestra of Sound and Light at Cinema, Towner Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ on Sunday, 13 July from 2 pm.
As part of a project with the University of Sussex around the Towner’s Sussex Modernism exhibition, Orchestra of Sound and Light will perform songs from its celebrated, South Downs Song Book Album in an event, to include poems/readings/film extracts plus a 15-minute Q&A. https://townereastbourne.org.uk/whats-on
SCREENING of ‘WOMEN OF THE WINDRUSH’ OPERA at the REGENT STREET CINEMA in the TECHNE CONGRESS, 26 JUNE 2025, 4 pm. Followed by a Q & A with PROFESSOR DR SHIRLEY J. THOMPSON OBE, COMPOSER and FILM-MAKER, IN- CONVERSATION with DR MARGHERITA SPIRITO, HEAD OF GRADUATE SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER.
On the final day of the annual AHRC funded, Techne Summer Congress, this year featured Challenging Pasts, Critical Futures and the filmed opera, Women of the Windrush, conceived, scripted, composed, produced and directed by Professor Dr Shirley J. Thompson OBE is to be screened at the iconic Regent Street Cinema. In Challenging Pasts, Critical Futures, this Techne Congress considers the impact of research. In their words, ‘How can we be empowered to question established narratives, deconstruct power relations, and advocate for transformative change by fostering critical thinking? This congress is a platform to interrogate the past and envision a future grounded in impactful research. By embracing this, we create an inclusive academic environment that celebrates a diversity of contributions.’
For detailed information about the production, see Shirley J. Thompson’s Synopsis and Programme https://www.barbican.org.uk/digital-programmes/women-of-the-windrush
NATIONAL WINDRUSH MUSEUM BASED AT THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, GREENWICH, LONDON. DAY 2 – NWM SUMMIT DAY – 2 FRIDAY, 13 JUNE 2025, 10 AM, UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH – PROFESSOR DR SHIRLEY J. THOMPSON OBE, COMPOSER IN CONVERSATION: ARTS & ACTIVISM
On Day 2 of the National Windrush Summit produced by the National Windrush Museum and the University of Greenwich, Professor Dr Shirley J. Thompson OBE, Composer and Academic, converses with the Chair of the National Windrush Museum, Dr Les Johnson, Fine Artist & Academic on the artistic and cultural activism they have created through their innumerable creative artefacts from the 1980’s to the present day. Works such as SUSpected, A Series of Conversations in 7 Movements for Piano (1980) and VISIONS for Orchestra (1984), a work reflecting on the vision of Hon Maurice Bishop’s Caribbean self-determination are to explored.
‘CALENDRIER’ – FRENCH SONGS 2, PERFORMANCE BY ALISON SMART FISHER & KATE DURRAN IN BIRKBECK ARTS WEEK, 7 MAY 2025. 3 – 4.30 PM BIRKBECK CINEMA, 43 GORDON SQUARE, LONDON WC1H 0PY
In this event, Alison Smart Fisher and Alison Durran perform songs from their new ‘French Songs 2’ album that includes new settings of songs to poetry by French female poets from over 800 years, including Shirley J. Thompson’s, ‘Calendrier’ set to the famous poem by Rosemond Gerard. After the performance there is a Q & A with Dr Akane Kawakami, Professor of French at Birkbeck, and the performers. Tickets are available here: https://my.bbk.ac.uk/ords/f p=832:100:0:::100:P100_EV_ID:49413
BLACK OAK ENSEMBLE perform DANCE OF THE NIGHT SKY SUNDAY, 4 MAY 2025 RAVINIA FESTIVAL, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 3 pm
Grammy-nominated in various ensembles, Black Oak Ensemble are ‘a kaleidoscopic string trio that “fully inhabits the spirit of the works they are playing in the moment, with as ardent a flame as if they had written it themselves” (Fanfare). They come to Ravinia with the grand reveal of their latest laser-fine focus. “O Britannia”—also due to be released as their latest Cedille album—highlights works by living women composers in the United Kingdom, including a new piece by Shirley J. Thompson OBE, Coronation Composer, and whose track has given the CD its title: DANCE OF THE NIGHT SKY. Venue: Bennett Gordon Hall. Event Starts. 3:00 PM. Public Gates. 2 pm. Reserved Seats: $25. Sunday, May 4 2025 at 3 pm. Tickets: https://www.ravinia.org/events/detail/black-oak-ensemble
CHINEKE! perform RESTORATION SONG OF THE PROPHETS Enyi Okpara – Conductor FRIDAY, 25 APRIL 2025 QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL, 7.30 pm
R.I.S.E. Chineke! Orchestra joins forces with George the Poet for a night of music, spoken word and poetry around the themes of Resilience, Identity, Strength and Equality. Shirley J. Thompson’s Recovery – Song of the Prophets: A Requiem for the Climate, will be performed. For tickets: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/r-i-s-e/
ALISON SMART FISHER & KATHARINE DURRAN PERFORM NEW FRENCH SONGS 2 AT CLARE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE. MONDAY, 17 MARCH 2025 AT 1.15 PM
As part of the Clare College, Cambridge Lunchtime Series, Alison Smart Fisher, Soprano and Katharine Durran, Piano will perform songs from the New French Songs 2 album, which includes my song, Le Calendrier, in the beautiful chapel of Clare College. The performance will last 45 minutes with a programme of some of the Chaminade/Tailleferre/Bracquemond songs plus the complete set of New French Song 2. Further details will be posted on the performance diary off Alison Smart Fisher –https://www.alisonsmartfisher.com/diary
MARSHALL OPERA PERFORMANCES, CELL THEATRE, 338 WEST 23RD ST, NEW YORK, US. FRIDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2025 , 7.30 – 10 PM
In the The Marshall Opera Oral History Project each artist connects with their assigned composer through an interview, which is shared on the Marshall Opera YouTube channel. Shirley J. Thompson has been working with the soprano, Alison Saporta and you may see their interview on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pZo4fhid8s&t=17s
As part of the project, the young artists prepare and perform an aria composed by their assigned composer for this program. Alison will perform Precious Skies. The concert will last approximately 90 minutes and will be presented without an intermission. The ticket price includes a wine reception following the concert where you will have an opportunity to meet with both the composers and young artists.
‘WOMEN OF THE WINDRUSH’ OPERA, THE BARBICAN, London EC1, 7.00 pm
Thursday, 20 February 2025 at 7.00 pm – The award-winning and ingenious opera, Women of the Windrush, with concept, words, music and film by Shirley J. Thompson continues its tour across the UK at The Barbican’s, Milton Court Concert Hall, with leading soprano, Abigail Kelly and dynamic pianist, Melissa Morris.
CHINEKE! ORCHESTRA PREMIERE ‘JUBILATE FOR ORCHESTRA’, BY SHIRLEY J. THOMPSON. QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL, SOUTHBANK CENTRE, London SE1 at 7.30 pm
Friday, 24 January 2025 at 7.30 pm – A celebratory new work, specially commissioned by the remarkable Chineke! Orchestra to commemorate its landmark, 10th Anniversary, by Shirley J. Thompson.
CHINEKE! ORCHESTRA‘s ‘SONG OF THE PROPHETS‘, QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL, SOUTHBANK CENTRE, London SE1 at 7.30 pm
Friday, 24 January 2025 at 7.30 pm – The remarkable Chineke! Orchestra performs a moving call to action against climate change with Shirley J. Thompson‘s RESTORATION forming the 3rd Movement of the multi-movement work for orchestra.
MOMENTUM: CONCERTO FOR FOOTBALLER/S & ORCHESTRA, STATE OPERA OF HANNOVER, 30159 HANNOVER, GERMANY at 3 pm
Monday, 18 November 2024 at 3 pm – The State Opera of Hannover Orchestra perform ‘Momentum: Concerto for Footballer/s and Orchestra’ by Shirley J. Thompson to open their family concerts season, and conducted by Masaru Kumakura. The work was originally commissioned for the Women’s European Football Tournament of 2022 by the Football Association, the Arts Council of England and the National Lottery for All. Tickets are available here: https://staatstheater-hannover.de/de_DE/kalender?date_from=2024-11-14&location=alle&category=alle&q=
Sunday, 17 November 2024 at 3 pm – The State Opera of Hannover Orchestra perform ‘Momentum: Concerto for Footballer/s and Orchestra’ by Shirley J. Thompson to open their family concerts season, and conducted by Masaru Kumakura. The work was originally commissioned for the Women’s European Football Tournament of 2022 by the Football Association, the Arts Council of England and the National Lottery for All. Tickets are available here: https://staatstheater-hannover.de/de_DE/kalender?date_from=2024-11-14&location=alle&category=alle&q=
MOMENTUM: CONCERTO FOR FOOTBALLER/S & ORCHESTRA, DAVIDSON COLLEGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, North Carolina, US 28035. 7. 30 pm
THURSDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2024 – The pioneering Davidson College Symphony Orchestra perform ‘Momentum: Concerto for Footballer/s and Orchestra’ by Shirley J. Thompson as a part of their autumn concert series. The work was originally commissioned for the Women’s European Football Tournament of 2022 by the Football Association, the Arts Council of England and the National Lottery for All and performed by The Royal Philharmonic. The Brighton and Albion Football team perform in the Momentum video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxbur5k-JM4
Book tickets here: https://www.davidson.edu/events/davidson-college-symphony-orchestra-play-ball
CALENDRIER for SOPRANO & PIANO at MOFFAT DISTILLERY, Dumfriesshire, DG10 9FE 7.30 pm and at BURGH HOUSE, New End Square, Hampstead, London NW3 1LT at 7.30pm
Sunday, 22 September 2024 the multi-talented soprano, Alison Smart Fisher and pianist, Katherine Durran, perform ‘CALENDRIER’ by Shirley J. Thompson and 9 other songs from their specially commissioned FRENCH SONGS 2 series at Moffat Distillery, Dumfriesshire, DG10 9FE at 7.30pm (doors open 6.30pm). Tickets £15 including welcome drink. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-french-song-two-london-premieres-of-ten-more-new-french-songs-tickets-941598555627 and https://www.alisonsmartfisher.com/diary
Wednesday, 25 September 2024 the multi-talented soprano, Alison Smart Fisher and pianist, Katherine Durran, perform ‘CALENDRIER’ by Shirley J. Thompson and 9 other songs from their specially commissioned FRENCH SONGS 2 series at Burgh House, New End Square, Hampstead, London NW3 1LT at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm). Tickets £22 from Evenbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-french-song-two-london-premieres-of-ten-more-new-french-songs-tickets-941598555627 or from https://www.alisonsmartfisher.com/diary.
DANCE OF THE NIGHT SKY for STRING TRIO by the BLACK OAK ENSEMBLE, Spertus Institute, Michigan Avenue, Chicago . 5 pm
Sunday, 8 September 2024 – The Black Oak Ensemble with virtuosos, Desiree Ruhstrat – Violin, Aurelien Fort Pederzoli – Viola, David Cunliffe – Cello, premiere the piece they commissioned from Shirley J. Thompson and entitled, ‘DANCE OF THE NIGHT SKY’ at the Cedille Records Gala. Black Oak Ensemble are praised for their ‘insightful, committed and masterful performances” (Classics Today 10/10) and “fierce eloquence)” (The Times, London). There will be a commercial recording of the work available further to the first live performance of the work. Tickets are sold out but you can view the event if you follow the link: https://www.cedillerecords.org/soiree-cedille/
