The Grand Union Youth Orchestra

Grand Union Youth
Orchestra of East London

The Grand Union Youth Orchestra of East London is an ensemble of talented young musicians from East London between the ages of 15-25 who play an amazing range of instruments.

Blending Indian ragas and Turkish melodies with Latin rhythms and African drumming, with a pinch of jazz and European harmony thrown into the pot, this Youth Orchestra says “Yes!” to everything and makes it work. Immersed in elements of music that span the globe, this ensemble is outfitted with instruments from all cultures, including saz, sarangi, sitar and steel pans. Mix in a spicy percussion section of tabla, dhol, djembe and congas and serve it up with bluesy solos and riffs from brass, wind and strings – GUYO will turn your conception of ‘world music’ and ‘youth orchestra’ on its head.

Latest news

Half term workshops just announced - 21 January 2010

You can now sign up to Grand Union's half term workshops in Havering on 15th and 16th February

Review of Grand Union - The Next Generation gig by Rich Mix Youth Ambassador - 26 November 2009

Young Ambassador for Rich Mix (a multi-arts venue on Bethnal Green Road) Samson Ikharia, reviews the Grand Union Next Generation performance

Latest music and videos

On the Silk Road - Music

Video extracts from Grand Union Youth Orchestra's Winter Celebration concert on 12th December 2009. The group take a journey accross the Great Silk Road.

Grand Union Feature on Resonance 104.4 FM - Music

Ed Foster presents a radio programme about the history an ideas behind Grand Union Orchestra.

Upcoming performances

Latest news

Half term workshops just announced

21 January 2010
You can now sign up to Grand Union's half term workshops in Havering on 15th and 16th February

Review of Grand Union - The Next Generation gig by Rich Mix Youth Ambassador

26 November 2009
Young Ambassador for Rich Mix (a multi-arts venue on Bethnal Green Road) Samson Ikharia, reviews the Grand Union Next Generation performance

GUYO winter celebration with Brady Arts and Community Centre

18 November 2009
Grand Union Youth Orchestra will be performing at Brady Arts and Community Centre on 12th December, along with other youth arts groups from the borough.

Join us

If you're a young musician living in East London, and like jazz/world music, come along and join us.

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