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
IMPORTANT - Change of date for the first GUYO master class
The first GUYO master-class will now be on Sunday September 19th 2010 rather Sunday September 12th at the Premises Studios, Hackney Road.
From Carnival to Silk Road programme announced
From September until the end of March, Grand Union’s projects are being united under the banner From Silk Road to Carnival, exploring the trade routes than brought prosperity to Britain and the rest of Europe – but at social, and often moral cost. Read about the programme of work here.
Latest music and videos
On the Silk Road
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
Ed Foster presents a radio programme about the history an ideas behind Grand Union Orchestra.