TICKETS have gone on sale for a ‘Big Band Christmas’ concert at Trinity High School on December 7, being promoted by Rotary Club of Redditch and featuring the widely acclaimed Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (MYJO).
The concert will be a highlight in the town’s musical calendar, and a major fund-raiser for local charity St. Basil’s, addressing the needs of homeless young people in Redditch.
MYJO has been described as one of the world’s top young big bands. It was unbeaten in the BBC National Big Band Competition for 20 years, including the final year in 2006.
In Toronto, it received an ‘Outstanding Services to Jazz Education’ award. It has twice won the Dutch National Big Band Competition and has appeared in concert with many of the most famous names in jazz and entertainment. Tours have included the USA, Russia, Canada and Europe.
The band is led by top trumpeter John Ruddick, who has performed with the Don Lusher Big Band and BBC Big Band, and worked with such names as Sir Bruce Forsyth, the late George Shearing, and Peggie Lee.
Last year John was awarded an MBE for his work with MYJO, which is itself a charity. Over the years, MYJO has included talented young players from Redditch, several of whom have made successful careers in the music industry.
MYJO has also featured in an outstanding concert with Grammy award winner Gordon Goodwin, and more recently has appeared with the American virtuoso trumpet player Jon Faddis, and singer Clare Teal.
Tickets, £10, can be obtained through www.1060.org.uk/redditch, by phone on 01675 442050, or from The Music Shop, George Walk, Kingfisher Centre (behind Primark).
