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

Wonderful photographs of Grand Union workshop with Newham Academy Students - 16 February 2010

Photos from a recent day of workshops with students at the Newham Academy of Music.

Monthly Youth Orchestra rehearsals start on 21st February - 9 February 2010

The first of the years monthly rehearsals/master classes for GUYO starts this month

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

From Carnival to Silk Road - with NewVic - 31 March 2010

A performance as part of NewVic College's Music Mix 2010 concert at Stratford Circus. The performance will culminting a month long project at between Grand Union and NewVic. Young musicians from accross Newham will perform an exciting set of music inspired from around the world.

Latest news

Wonderful photographs of Grand Union workshop with Newham Academy Students

16 February 2010
Photos from a recent day of workshops with students at the Newham Academy of Music.

Monthly Youth Orchestra rehearsals start on 21st February

9 February 2010
The first of the years monthly rehearsals/master classes for GUYO starts this month

Video highlights from Winter Celebration Concert

1 February 2010
New video highlights from the GUYO Winter Celebration concert are now online.

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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