When did you first get involved with NYJO, and what inspired you to join the Board?
And when did you step into the role of Chair?
In 2021, soon after lockdown restrictions were lifted (seems like an eternity ago now), NYJO commenced on a trustee recruitment drive. When I stumbled across the role, I wasn’t familiar with the charity. However, after reading about it, talking to the other trustees and management, and attending a few gigs, I realised it was at the intersection of many things I cared deeply about, namely (jazz) music, education and youth.
I was motivated to apply and lucky to be selected. The experience has been everything it said on the tin and more! Earlier this year, after a period of serving as the interim Chair, I was excited to step into the role in a permanent capacity. As a violinist manqué, I’ve long realised my most meaningful contributions are behind the scenes or, increasingly, behind a desk.
Since becoming Chair, what have been some of your standout moments or proudest highlights? What is it about NYJO that you love most? We’d love to hear your perspective.
Over the past few years, NYJO has been a source of inspiration and joy. For an organisation that, frankly, suffered immensely during Covid-19, it’s been hugely encouraging to play a small part in helping it bounce back stronger than ever.
My favourite NYJO experiences have involved watching our performers, whether our legendary big band comprising our Emerging Professionals (EPs), or our Under-18s ensemble (which I’m partial to), or even our new Latin Collective. To my mind, the stage is where the magic happens.
Most recently, our James Baldwin-inspired The Fire Next Time production at World Heart Beat was exquisite. I’ve been fortunate to witness this incredible performance on a few occasions, and it blows me away every single time. I’m elated we’ve managed to record it for posterity and eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on the vinyl.
In your view, what makes NYJO unique? What’s its special ingredient or USP?
NYJO’s most formidable asset is its people – the team, my fellow trustees, our supporters, and the hundreds of beneficiaries who all contribute towards making it a little better every single day. Over the course of my professional career, I’ve been fortunate to be involved with a few amazing organisations, and this is up there with the very best.
NYJO is marking its 60th anniversary this year – an amazing milestone. What do you hope the next chapter will bring?
A 60-year legacy is an incredible responsibility, and its testament to both the resilience and relevance of this organisation. So much has changed in the last decades, but what’s stayed the same and is perhaps even significant than ever is NYJO’s ability to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
We learn from our past as we shape our future. I hope we continue to challenge, innovate, and inspire, across the diversity of people we touch and programmes we deliver.
NYJO is, at its heart, a charity. What would you say to the individuals who make our work possible?
NYJO would not be where it is without the generous support of so many benefactors, institutions as well as individuals. Especially today, in a time where social contracts are eroding, music education is receding, and youth voices are flailing, I’m thankful that we can continue to deliver on our mission to nurture and support young talent at the start of their career, when they’re most vulnerable and impressionable.
On the institutional front, we are immensely grateful for the continued patronage from the Arts Council and incredibly proud to be a National Portfolio Organisation. Among individuals, I’d like to make explicit mention of the Bracegirdle legacy we were fortunate to receive a few years ago that has served as the bedrock of our long-term strategy.
Of course, every bit goes a long way, and we appreciate all the help we receive from every corner of Britain and beyond.
What jazz (or other music!) have you been listening to lately that our members might enjoy checking out? Any recommendations?
The jazz world is having a bit of an Olivia Cuttill moment (she’s a NYJO EP!). Her new album ‘And Writing And Singing And Tunes To Be Swingin’ is currently on my turntable and its spectacular! Just last week she took home honours at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards.
I just booked tickets to watch AR Rahman perform with the Orchestral Qawwali Project at the Royal Albert Hall in April next year and, in the process, have been re-listening to their last album – an immersive and transcendental experience.
In the lead-up to our upcoming 60th Anniversary celebrations, I curled up over the weekend with Nina Simone’s ‘Fodder On My Wings’. Hers is a voice that keeps on giving.
And finally, will our members have a chance to meet you at our 60th Anniversary celebration on 15 November?
Yes, absolutely – I wouldn’t miss it for the world!