There’s plenty to look forward to at NYJO in 2026. From upcoming live music and performances to new learning projects, here’s an update on what we’ve been working on, alongside a proud look back at our final Learning project of 2025.
NYJO Learning: My London 2025 Project
Before Christmas, we celebrated the end of our ‘My London’ project. Over 7 weeks, a group of young people joined us on Tuesday evenings to create 3 brand-new songs inspired by what London means to them. Check out some of the incredible music that they created here!
We’re starting our NYJO Learning: Birmingham 2026 Workshops
In 2026, NYJO are leading a series of workshops with B:Music’s Beginner and Intermediate Jazz Ensembles for 11-19 year-olds. These workshops, led by NYJO Emerging Professional musicians, will allow young people to become the support sets for our Masada gig at B:Music in March with Sam Eastmond!
Find out more here.
NYJO Learning: Manchester 2026 Workshops
For young people aged 13 – 18 who are interested in exploring the world of jazz, experimenting with improvisation, and experiencing playing live music with others.
Find out more here.
NYJO Learning: February Half-Term Project
For young people aged 12 – 18, who are Grades 3 and above on their instrument and are interested in exploring ensemble playing and improvisation. This project takes its inspiration from the legendary NYC composer John Zorn and his MASADA Books. Across the two days, you will get the chance to create your own music as an ensemble, exploring spontaneous systems of arrangement and organisation to create new works and sounds!
Find out more here
Upcoming NYJO shows across the nation…
NYJO X Levitation Orchestra, Nottingham
Fri 30 Jan, 5pm Workshop & 7pm Gig
Acoustickle, Nottingham Jazz Club
Join us for a full evening of sensational jazz and inspiration up in the East Midlands, featuring live performance and the mesmeric sounds of Levitation Orchestra and Nottingham-based Nuri. Plus, a fabulous pre-show workshop with resident NYJO MD and Steam Down founder Ahnansé. The workshop is aimed at jazz musicians aged 17-25 and will be free to join, sign up is essential.
Find out more and book tickets.
NYJO X Levitation Orchestra, Norwich
Thurs 12 Feb, 7pm
Voodoo Daddy’s, Norwich
NYJO brings this bold collaboration with Wild Paths to East Anglia. Teaming up with Axel Kaner-Lidstrom, founder and MD of Levitation Orchestra, NYJO present an electrifying set of original music inspired by the collective’s dynamic, genre-defying live shows. The result is a powerful meeting of ideas, driven by collaboration, spontaneity, and fearless creativity. This event will also feature a performance by the Hono Collective.
Find out more and book your tickets.
NYJO X Jasmine Myra
Sat 14 Feb, 7.30pm
Arts Club Cambridge
Continuing with our special series of gigs in East Anglia, NYJO brings the incredible saxophonist Jasmine Myra to Cambridge. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with soaring melodies and stunning original compositions from this fascinating new blend of folk and jazz. Jasmine Myra’s sophomore album Rising builds on the success of her breakthrough album Horizons to deliver a major statement from one of UK Jazz’s rising stars.
Find out more and book your tickets.
NYJO presents: Blue Note Reimagined
Thurs 5 March, 7:45pm
Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick
Experience the vibrant energy of NYJO’s 18-piece ensemble, who perform new renditions of old Blue Note classics. Featuring arrangements by four NYJO Emerging Professional musicians: Sam Virdie, Sophie Warner, Flo Redmonds and Toril Azzalini-Machecler, this showcase has been developed under the mentorship of Olivia Murphy. Murphy is an award-winning composer, conductor, and rising star of the British jazz scene who invites audiences in Warwick to share the joy brought by this iconic music label and repertoire.
Find out more and book tickets.
NYJO & Sam Eastmond Present: John Zorn’s MASADA
Sat 7 March, 3.30pm
Symphony Hall, Broad St, Birmingham
After its debut at Café OTO in 2021 and then at its epic EFG Jazz festival showcase at Milton Court in 2025, NYJO and Eastmond join forces to bring the masterful music of Zorn’s Masada to the stage, reworked for a 17-piece orchestra of talented young musicians. Birmingham, get ready to be blown away!
Find out more and book tickets.
NYJO & Sam Eastmond Present: John Zorn’s MASADA
Mon 16 March, 3.30pm
Ronnie Scott’s, Frith Street
NYJO and Eastmond present an afternoon show of jazz-punk from the spectacular songbook by John Zorn. Join us at the iconic Soho venue and witness young talent breathe life into these rarely performed works under Eastmond’s powerful and inspired direction.