A New Forward-Looking Big Band Programme for Emerging Musicians
We are so proud to announce the launch of NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, an innovative Big Band project for emerging professional musicians, aged 18 – 25. 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.
Led by Musical Director Olivia Murphy, NYJO Blueprint Orchestra reprises NYJO’s big band model through consistent rehearsal, creative ambition, and a focussed commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Meeting weekly across four ten-week terms, the ensemble focuses on trust, cohesion, and the technical and creative skills required to perform at the highest professional standard.
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra forms an integral part of our development pathway, forming a continuation of each musician’s development from earlier programmes into professional life. Orchestra members were recruited via a national call-out earlier in 2026 and their chairs are held for one year, reinforcing the ensemble as an ongoing training opportunity rather than an end point.
The orchestra will take a deep dive into both legacy and contemporary large ensemble music, with works by composers including Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Maria Schneider, Bob Brookmeyer, Toshiko Akiyoshi, with the orchestra’s first live show debuting in September 2026.
We are thrilled to announce the orchestra’s debut performance at Windsor Festival on Sat 19 Sep. Launching with a bold programme that celebrates two of the most influential figures in big band jazz, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington, and showcases the power, innovation and lasting appeal of large-ensemble jazz. Over the year, Murphy will also compose a new large-scale work written specifically for the orchestra, culminating in a major summer performance in 2027.
Olivia Murphy, NYJO Blueprint MD, says:
“I’m really looking forward to working with NYJO to create this new ensemble. Blueprint will be a band which strives for excellence and beauty; refining and performing a variety of the brilliant jazz orchestra works from over the last 75 years. A positive and inspiring learning environment, Blueprint will allow emerging professional musicians to reach their full potential.”
Yvette Griffith OBE, NYJO Chief Executive, says:
“Returning to the roots of our name, in 2026 NYJO is creating a National Youth Jazz Orchestra – NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, led by Olivia Murphy. Together, they will set a high standard of musical excellence, showcasing phenomenal performance skills while offering young musicians exemplary training and opportunities.
We will upskill young musicians to professional performance level, preparing them for careers in jazz and beyond. NYJO Blueprint musicians will learn from and alongside leading national and international artists. The result is a flagship youth orchestra that reflects the gender and cultural diversity of today’s society and illustrates the blueprint for what jazz youth orchestras should look like while holding firm to the highest standards of excellence.
I couldn’t be happier that NYJO alumna Olivia Murphy, already part of our artistic faculty, is leading the work that will shape highly skilled young NYJO musicians, ready to contribute to tomorrow’s contemporary music landscape.”
We are committed to representing the diversity of the society we serve, NYJO Blueprint Orchestra brings together musicians from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, demonstrating that artistic excellence and inclusivity are intrinsic aspects of NYJO’s mission. Through this programme, NYJO continues to shape the future of British jazz by creating new models, new opportunities and new possibilities for large ensemble music.
