NYJO Blueprint Orchestra at Windsor Festival

September 19, 2026
8:00 pm
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra stand together looking at the camera. Musical director crouches in front of them in the middle.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra makes its world debut at Windsor Festival with a bold programme celebrating two of the most influential figures in big band jazz, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra is a new, forward-looking ensemble for emerging professional musicians, reimagining the big band model through ambitious repertoire, creative collaboration and artistic development. This first-ever performance marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for NYJO and offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience the ensemble from the very start.

The programme features music from Akiyoshi’s acclaimed albums March of the Tadpoles and Kogun, alongside works by the legendary Duke Ellington, showcasing the power, innovation and lasting appeal of large-ensemble jazz.

Each year Windsor Festival invites the world’s finest musicians, writers, artists, and local performers to entertain and delight festival audiences, to celebrate Windsor’s special place as a Royal town, and to inspire the next generation of artistic talent and creativity. Across two weeks at the end of September, the Autumn Festival is dedicated to delivering high-calibre performances in magnificent venues. Events range from internationally renowned classical music, jazz and folk, to a broad range of talks, and insightful walks and tours.

Tickets will go on sale to Windsor Festival Benefactors, Ambassadors on Monday 29th June, and to Windsor Festival Friends on Monday 6th July. 

Tickets will go on general sale on Monday 13th July.

Event details

Event date:
September 19, 2026

Event time:
8:00 pm

Tickets on sale Mon 13 Jul

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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