Poster Shirley Thompson composer
In 2019, composer Shirley Thompson was recognized for her contributions to classical music in Britain, receiving an order of the British Empire.
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Rhapsody in Black

Composer Shirley Thompson's music reflects the issues of today

Rhapsody in Black - Shirley Thompson
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Composer Shirley Thompson is the child of Jamaican parents who emigrated to England. After a childhood filled with dance and music, she went on to attend the University of Liverpool and continued her studies of classical music. She was disappointed by the Eurocentric nature of what was being taught and decided to write her own music in response — music that speaks to the issues of today.

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About Rhapsody in Black

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

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About Rhapsody in Black