CHICAGO – A groundbreaking orchestral and dance production honoring an ancient African warrior queen is set for its global debut in March 2026. Acclaimed composer and cultural activist Shirley Thompson will present ‘Seventh Sense: Incidents in the Life of Queen Amanirenas for Orchestra & Dance’ as the centerpiece of International Women’s Day celebrations.
The Chicago Sinfonietta has commissioned this innovative work for its ‘Still I Rise’ celebration series. Thompson’s composition chronicles the extraordinary legacy of Queen Amanirenas of Kush, the formidable leader who successfully defended her kingdom against Roman expansion through military prowess and diplomatic acumen.
Under the baton of Music Director Mei-Ann Chen, the Chicago Sinfonietta will collaborate with the Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre to bring this multidisciplinary performance to life. The production merges symphonic instrumentation with contemporary dance, creating a powerful narrative experience that transcends traditional opera boundaries.
Thompson, who holds the distinction of being the first composer of African descent to receive an OBE and to create music for a British royal coronation (King Charles III’s 2023 ceremony), continues her ‘Heroines of Opera’ series with this work. The series specifically highlights historically significant women of African heritage whose stories have been largely overlooked.
Previous installations in Thompson’s acclaimed series include ‘Sacred Mountain: Incidents of the Life of Queen Nanny of the Maroons,’ ‘Dido Elizabeth Belle,’ ‘Women of the Windrush,’ and ‘The Woman Who Refused to Dance.’
The world premiere performances are scheduled for March 6, 2026, at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville, Illinois, followed by a March 7 performance at the Harris Theatre in downtown Chicago. Both evening performances will begin at 7:00 PM.