THE widely acclaimed Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (MYJO) are bringing their ‘Big Band Christmas’ concert to Redditch for the first time on December 7.
To get us in the mood for Christmas, MYJO will be playing seasonal favourites alongside big-band standards, not to mention an appearance by their ‘Barber Shop’ quartet.
The concert is being staged at Trinity High School, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Redditch, and proceeds will go towards MYJO’s work in music education, and to local charity for the homeless St. Basils.
Tickets, at £10 each, can be purchased from The Music Shop, Kingfisher Shopping Centre, or via www.1060.org.uk/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 twenty 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, including Arturo Sandoval, Rob McConnell, Bob Florence and Benny Carter. 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.
Contact Philip Roberts on 01527 450382 for further information.
