Also known as the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, NYJO is charging into autumn with an ambitious programme of performances and learning, plus the momentum of a brand-new ensemble built to meet the moment. From rising young talent to world-class artists, the organisation is taking jazz to new audiences across the UK—appearing at major festivals, taking to prestigious venues, and expanding its national footprint. This season’s activity spans the Chelsea Arts Festival, the EFG London Jazz Festival, the Windsor Festival, and dates across Leicestershire, Liverpool, and Manchester. In London, NYJO’s calendar includes some of the capital’s most recognisable stages, from the newly launched Blue Note London to PizzaExpress Jazz Club Soho and Sinfonia Smith Square.
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NYJO Chief Executive Yvette Griffith said the breadth of the autumn programme reflects an organisation in growth mode—artistically and geographically.
“It’s hugely rewarding to see NYJO’s programme blossoming across the UK this autumn, from prestigious venues and major festivals to brilliant new locations and audiences,” she said. “With the NYJO Blueprint Orchestra now hitting the road and the launch of NYJO North this autumn, we’re creating even more exceptional opportunities for our musicians to perform, develop and connect with audiences. This is just the start, as we continue to grow the breadth and ambition of what NYJO delivers.”
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A major headline this season is the NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, which launched earlier this year and is led by Musical Director Olivia Murphy. Built around intensive rehearsal and high-level ensemble training, the group now steps into the spotlight with four key performances that trace a bold line through big band history—while giving audiences a front-row seat to the next generation of jazz excellence.
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The orchestra makes its world debut at Windsor Festival on Saturday 19 September, with a programme celebrating two towering figures in big band jazz: Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington. The ensemble then brings the same musical focus to PizzaExpress Jazz Club Soho on Monday 5 October, continuing its exploration of Akiyoshi and Ellington’s distinctive, era-defining sound.
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In November, the NYJO Blueprint Orchestra makes its EFG London Jazz Festival debut at Milton Court, turning its attention to jazz trombone pioneer and educator Bob Brookmeyer. The performance will feature repertoire from the 1980 Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra album Live at the Village Vanguard, showcasing the instrumental prowess and creative solo work developed through the orchestra’s intensive rehearsal process.
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The season closes with a festive finale at Sinfonia Smith Square on Monday 7 December: NYJO Blueprint Orchestra – Ellington’s Nutcracker. Expect big band reimaginings of seasonal favourites, including Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite—a joyful end-of-year celebration that pairs classic material with NYJO’s signature energy and ambition.
As NYJO expands its reach and deepens its development pathways, this autumn programme reads like a statement of intent: jazz that travels, jazz that welcomes, and jazz that invests in what comes next.
For further information on the organisation and upcoming events, please visit the NYJO website
Image: NYJO Blueprint Orchestra © Can Mehmethanoglu, courtesy of the NYJO
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