NYJO 60: NYJO Under 18s

November 15, 2025
3:00 pm

This year, NYJO turns 60 and will be hosting an all-day celebration at Woolwich Works as part of EFG London Jazz Festival.

In the afternoon, you can see NYJO’s under 18s musicians of all levels perform, under the mentorship of Winston Clifford, Olivia Murphy, and some of the NYJO Emerging Professional musicians who have been leading the entry level group. There will be opportunities to hear from the musicians and leaders, and ask questions.

The NYJO Under 18s is a Saturday programme for young people aged 11-18, hosted at Woolwich Works, offering training, ensemble-playing, performance opportunities and jams to develop young musicians’ technique and creativity. Many of the young members move on to become part of NYJO’s professional ensembles, but NYJO supports their learning and progress no matter what their musical goals are, or what level of experience they have when they join.

This is a fantastic opportunity to spend an afternoon listening to and supporting talented young people taking their first steps in the world of music and performance.

Afternoon event schedule*:
3pm – Meet the First Collective
3.30pm – NYJO U18 Band Performance
4.30pm – NYJO Ensemble Performance
5.15pm – Meet the NYJO Under 18s

In the evening, stay on for a special programme celebrating Nina Simone’s 1982 album Fodder On My Wings, curated and directed by NYJO Emerging Professional musician and Trumpeter Olivia Cuttill and featuring a NYJO large ensemble with special guests. See our separate event listing for more information and for tickets for the evening.

*Please note the schedule is subject to change.

Event details

Event date:
November 15, 2025

Event time:
3:00 pm

Free, book in advance

All ages welcome.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Woolwich Works
The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street, London, SE18 6HD

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