With 2026 soon wrapping up, November is a great chance to shout about all of the latest achievements of our NYJO young musicians. We’re talking Parliamentary Jazz Awards, debut albums, TV appearances and plenty of live shows. This month also means the return of EFG London Jazz festival: both our Under 18s ensembles and NYJO Blueprint Orchestra are hosting events as part of this!
Looking back on Blue Note this October…
Credit: Debbie Tucker Green
Its not everyday that you get to play a SOLD OUT show at a Blue Note jazz club. With Steam Down none the less! 12 of our NYJO horn players experienced this two nights on the trot this October, as part of the venue’s inaugural program highlighting the best of British Jazz. A huge congratulations to our Emerging Professionals who contributed to the community on stage with their solos, creativity, and punch.
And the Award goes to….
On Tues 13 October, our NYJO Chief Exec Yvette Griffith was invited to the World Heart Beat in London, to present winners of the 2026 All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards. What an amazing moment to hear that Olivia Cuttill, trumpet player, composer and NYJO Emerging Professional musician, was selected as the Best Newcomer of the Year. We are so proud and can’t wait to see what 2027 has in store for her!
Olivia is not the only one of our young people to be making moves on the scene this month. NYJO drummer Miles Pillinger has also just released his first original album Belonging paying homage to the South African and Brazilian music influences that have inspired him and featuring many guest appearances including long time NYJO collaborator Thande Gumede on vocals. Our NYJO bassist Tay Harvey has featured on Later… with Jools Holland playing alongside the incredible jazz drummer Moses Boyd!
Our Jazz in the Crypt series at Sinfonia Smith Square highlights bands formed by Emerging Professionals. Coming up on Thurs 19 November we’ll be presenting Kodie Kollective, a group fronted by NYJO drummer Spencer ‘5pence’ Sarkodie. These talented musicians have also made a cameo appearance playing on HBO’s new show called Youth. How cool!
Find Out What’s Going On Near You…
NYJO Under 18s Autumn Showcase
Sun 15 Nov, 1pm
Toulouse Lautrec, Kennington
NYJO resident Musical Directors Olivia Murphy and Winston Clifford lead our Under 18s in a program of classic and inventive Jazz arranged especially for our Ensemble and Band. Catch them at this matinée show at Toulouse Lautrec as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.
More details here.
NYJO presents: Jazz in the Crypt with 5pence and the Kodie Kollective
Thurs 19 Nov, 9pm
The Crypt, Sinfonia Smith Square
Back at the crypt, our NYJO Emerging Professionals curate a night of original music written by bandleader Spencer Sarkodie and other members of the Kodie Kollective. Expect a fusion of steel pans, modern takes on favourite standard and a young energy that inspires. Discount tickets are available for Under 30s. More details here.
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra
Sat 21 Nov, 7:30pm
Milton Court, Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Our new flagship ensemble plays the music of jazz trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, as part of the Guildhall and EFG London Jazz Festival. If you haven’t yet caught the 17-piece, this is the chance. Free and unticketed but get there early. More details here.
