NYJO is now inviting applications for the first cohort of NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, a curated big band for emerging professional musicians, aged 18 –25, launching in 2026.
Led by Musical Director Olivia Murphy, NYJO Blueprint Orchestra offers a forward-looking environment for musicians who want to deepen their large ensemble skills through consistent weekly rehearsals, ambitious repertoire, and collaborative music-making. The programme runs across four ten-week terms, supporting musicians to build confidence, artistic identity, and meaningful professional connections.
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra forms an integral part of NYJO’s development pathway and is designed as an ongoing training opportunity rather than an endpoint. Chairs are held for one year, with musicians supported to progress into further professional work beyond the programme.
The repertoire will offer a deep dive into both legacy and contemporary large-ensemble music. Programmes explore complete albums and suites by composers such as Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Maria Schneider, Bob Brookmeyer, Toshiko Akiyoshi and others, encouraging detailed engagement with historical content, musical language, sectional playing, and improvisation. Alongside this, new music plays a central role. Over the course of the year, Olivia Murphy will compose a major new work written specifically for the orchestra and its individual players, culminating in a landmark performance in 2027.
NYJO is committed to creating an ensemble that reflects the diversity of the society it serves, including musicians from outside London (travel contributions will be available for those who live outside the M25), musicians of Global Majority heritage, female and non-binary musicians. NYJO Blueprint Orchestra demonstrates that artistic excellence, inclusion, and innovation can and should exist together.
Recruitment opens this February, with selected participants announced in April 2026. The first cohort will work towards a debut summer performance, alongside further performances across the year and a showcase of an original composition in 2027. Apply now.
We are recruiting for:
- Alto 1
- Alto 2
- Tenor 1
- Tenor 2
- Bari
- Trumpet 1
- Trumpet 2
- Trumpet 3
- Trumpet 4
- Trombone 1
- Trombone 2
- Trombone 3
- Bass Trombone or Tuba
- Guitar
- Piano
- Upright bass
- Drums
Auxiliary Instruments*:
- Vocals
- Flute
- French Horn
- Percussion
*While not all projects we rehearse will need all of these instruments, we welcome applications from these instruments for a more project-based collaboration
If you have any questions about NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, please contact George Gatehouse at [email protected].
To apply, fill in the form >> HERE <<