Thompson began to focus on full orchestral composition with "New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony", first performed in 2004 and recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to celebrate one thousand years of London's history. The piece sees the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra play alongside two choirs, solo singers, a rapper and dhol drummers. Originally commissioned for the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2002, the concept has been described as "a predecessor of the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony".