Released on 5th May 2026, renowned composer Olga Thomas reached Number 1 in the classical music charts with new EP called ‘For Susannah York: A Cinematic Suite (Shades of Screen)‘.
A profoundly personal and heartfelt tribute, the EP is dedicated to Thomas’s dear friend, the late Susannah York (1939–2011) – the celebrated actress and political campaigner whose legacy continues to resonate. This cinematic suite captures the beauty, depth, and enduring presence of their connection, reflecting how York remains an integral part of Thomas’s life and the lives of her family.
Their friendship began in 1994 during a touring production of The Cherry Orchard produced by the unforgettable Bill Kenwright. York starred in the lead role while Thomas composed the music, including the now-significant Susannah’s Waltz. Their connection was immediate – an artistic and personal bond that lasted for the rest of York’s life.
York became a passionate supporter of Thomas’s work, championing both her music and writing. She supported Thomas’s charitable efforts, including helping raise £60,000 for Guy’s Hospital’s Good Guy’s Appeal in 2000. She also collaborated with Thomas professionally when directing productions such as The First Years and Beginnings, which Thomas composed for. York introduced Thomas to many further creative opportunitiesduring their long friendship.
Following York’s devastating sudden passing in 2011, Thomas was invited by York’s family to compose and perform music for her memorial service. Her compositions became a defining part of the occasion – so much so that recordings were created for close friends and family to keep. York’s children later reflected:
“Olga’s piano playing evoked our mother’s thoughtful and romantic nature as well as her lightness and gaiety… Her music captured our mother in all her complexities… We will always be deeply grateful.”
– Orlando Wells & Sasha Wells
Originally released in 2016, For Susannah York has now been beautifully reimagined as “Intimate Reverie”, forming the centrepiece of this new EP. It is joined by additional compositions written in York’s memory, including “Shadows and Silk” and “She Remains.” Together, these works form a richly layered, cinematic soundscape – transforming what began as a simple piano sketch into a full-colour musical portrait.
The EP reflects York’s many dimensions: her elegance, wit, warmth, romanticism, sharp intellect, and vibrant energy. It is, in Thomas’s words, “adding a bright burst of colour to what was originally a simple but elegant black-and-white sketch.”
Recorded at the renowned Dean St. Studios – known for work with artists including David Bowie and Stephen Fry – the production brings a rich cinematic depth to Thomas’s compositions.
The release also marks a subtle return to Thomas’s roots in film and television composition, inspired in part by her ongoing writing project DeJaVu Revisited – which is in early stages of development for screen – a work York herself was the first to read and champion.
Special thanks are extended to Susannah York’s family for their support and for providing the beautiful photograph used in this project.
To stream or download the EP head to the below link:
https://olga-thomas.ffm.to/olgathomasforsusannahyorkacinematicsuiteshadesofscreen
Available on: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube Music, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Anghami.
