About Barbara Thompson Memorial Concert
Celebrating the life and musical legacy of virtuoso saxophonist, composer and bandleader Barbara Thompson MBE in music and song. This unmissable event will be held at the Union Chapel just a stone’s throw from where Barbara grew up. It brings together performers from the Jazz, Rock and Contemporary Classical worlds drawing upon Barbara’s rich and diverse catalogue and decades-spanning career as a performer, composer and all-round force of nature.
A distinctive presence on the British music scene, her well-documented battle with Parkinson’s disease and subsequent death in 2022 prompted tributes from all corners of the music world.
“Formidably talented saxophonist at the heart of many jazz line-ups who blazed a trail for female instrumentalists”
John Fordham’s obituary, The Guardian
“…one of the most inspirational women and saxophonists I know…"
Jess Gillam MBE
“…a pioneering composer for the saxophone…”
Dave Gelly