NYJO Blueprint Orchestra – EFG London Jazz Festival

November 21, 2026
7:30 pm

Join us on Saturday 21 November to mark NYJO Blueprint Orchestra’s EFG London Jazz Festival debut. Our newest ensemble will perform the music of jazz trombone pioneer and educator, Bob Bookmeyer. 

Led by Musical Director Olivia Murphy, NYJO Blueprint Orchestra reimagines NYJO’s big band model through consistent rehearsal, creative ambition, and a focussed commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Designed to support musicians in developing high-level large ensemble skills, the programme creates a forward-looking artistic context that reflects today’s jazz landscape.

This event is part of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama’s annual free Jazz Festival, presented in partnership with EFG London Jazz Festival, celebrating the creativity and originality of the Guildhall Jazz community.

Event details

Event date:
November 21, 2026

Event time:
7:30 pm

Free and unticketed

Milton Court, 1 Milton Street, London, EC2Y 9BH

Tickets
See all events

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra

A new, forward-looking big band programme for NYJO Emerging Professional musicians.

Find out more about getting involved, upcoming gigs and how you can support.

Read more
Musical Director Olivia Murphy stands with her back to the camera, she is conducting the Blueprint Orchestra rehearsal.

Georgia (EP quote)

“It’s hard to just learn this music in the practice room but being immersed in the music at NYJO is a great environment to really push my playing. ” 

Georgia Ayew, NYJO Emerging Professional (Drums)

Get in touch

Lucy-Anne (EP quote)

“Since joining NYJO, I’m so much more confident as a performer. Especially in terms of being able to entertain and keep the crowd engaged with you. It’s really nice to be able to feel that difference.” 

Lucy-Anne, NYJO Emerging Professional (Vocals)

Get in touch

Sam Eastmond (MD quote)

"Giving them space to create whatever they wanted, without setting parameters of idiom or style helped them to conceptualise how they could bring these new concepts into their work without scaring them off, or mystifying the process."

Sam Eastmond, NYJO Educator

Get in touch

Jazzwise quote

"NYJO has never been conformist, never hewing to one particular line, never known for fawning replications and very deliberately these days a vehicle for new possibilities."

Jazzwise Magazine

Get in touch

Lydia (EP quote)

"The past year has been an absolutely incredible experience, pushing me way out of my comfort zone into playing with some of the greatest young jazz players of my generation and getting to call them my colleagues and friends has been beyond inspiring, and also an obscene amount of fun!"

Lydia Cochrane, NYJO Emerging Professional (Saxophone)

Get in touch

Anna (Learning national quote)

"[The NYJO residential in Cumbria] helped me to make friends with other young musicians. I enjoy playing a lot more and I’m quite proud of what I’ve accomplished. I feel more confident now. I have learnt different ways of coming up with solid melodies and also a little bit on harmonies. I think it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had."

Anna, NYJO Learning Widening Access participant

Get in touch

Briony (Learning U18s quote)

"I’ve felt very fortunate to be surrounded by amazing musicians, and I think that the environment at NYJO – which has fostered creativity and improvisation – has allowed my confidence and musical ideas to grow."

Briony, NYJO Under 18s

Get in touch

Oscar (Learning U18s quote)

"I think I’ve progressed a lot in my piano-playing. NYJO has helped me to flourish and really enjoy it. I’ve really enjoyed being engrossed in a high level of playing and learning things in a hands-on-way. I also like the diversity of perspectives and abilities of all the players and teachers which enables me to try things I might not normally."

Oscar, NYJO Under 18s

Get in touch

Jennie (Learning U18s quote)

"NYJO has got me listening to more jazz and learning more changes. It has also helped with working as a band. I’ve really enjoyed the free jazz, learning by ear, the people, and the atmosphere."

Jennie, NYJO Under 18s

Get in touch

Leah-Anais (Learning U18s quote)

"I love the people at NYJO. Everyone here is so encouraging and lovely and it makes the experience worthwhile. Though I have fun I’m still learning on the way which makes me feel productive too."

Leah-Anais, NYJO Under 18s

Get in touch