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Women of the Windrush

An opera by Shirley J. Thompson

,Milton Court Concert Hall
A black and white photograph of a black woman in a floral dress and white hat

Abigail Kelly stars in Shirley J. Thompson’s one-woman, one-act opera which weaves together filmic documentary and song in a heart-warming love letter to the resilience of the Windrush settlers. 

Newly arrived in England from the West Indies, a student nurse, a concert pianist, a cricketer’s wife, and a new bride are faced with the challenge of starting a new life. For Thompson - who revisited her 1992 film adding a specially-composed score - Women of the Windrush is personal. Dedicated to her ‘Windrush’ mother, it’s a celebration of community, identity, and ingenuity. 

The composer of New Nation Rising: A 21st Century Symphony, commissioned for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, Shirley J. Thompson draws on deep wells of family experience for her revelatory 2019 multi-media Windrush opera.

Tagged with: Classical music Young Barbican Recitals More...

This performance will finish at approximately 8pm. There will be no interval. 

There will be a post-show Q&A on stage with Shirley J. Thompson 

 

Produced by the Barbican

* Please note that Nadine Benjamin has withdrawn from the performance due to ill health. In consultation, we are delighted to announce that Abigail Kelly and Melissa Morris will appear instead.

Programme

  • Shirley J Thompson   Women of the Windrush

Performers

  • Abigail Kelly   soprano *
  • Melissa Morris   piano *
  • Callie Nestleroth   staging director
  • Shirley J Thompson   artistic director
‘A gripping work…celebrating human community and resilience.‘
Opera Magazine

Digital programme

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Milton Court Concert Hall

Location
Milton Court Concert Hall is located within the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Barbican entrance on Silk Street.  

Address
Milton Court
Silk St, London
EC2Y 9BH

Nearby public transport
We are within walking distance from a number of London Underground stations, the closest being Barbican, Old Street, St Paul’s and Moorgate. The nearest train stations are Liverpool Street and Farringdon. Bus Route 153 runs directly past the Barbican along Chiswell Street

Car and bicycle parking
We have free bicycle spaces and paid car parking spaces available