THE widely acclaimed Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra – MYJO – returns to Redditch once again with its ‘Big Band Christmas’ concert, organised by the Rotary Club of Redditch in support of its local charity, Batchley Support Group.
The concert, at Trinity High School on Monday, December 10, is now an established highlight in the town’s musical calendar, and the third occasion in recent years that MYJO have performed 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, 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, George Shearing, and Peggie Lee.
In 2014, 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.
MYJO regularly features singer & Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal in its concerts.
Tickets, £10, can be obtained from The Music Shop, George Walk, Kingfisher Centre, behind Primark, or by calling Philip Roberts on 01527 450382.
