Grand Union Workshops and Performances Autumn Programme

The unique Grand Union Youth Orchestra (GUYO), London's pioneering world music and jazz youth ensemble, brings together young musicians aged 12 - 26 who wish to explore the world's major musical cultures. Players of non-Western instruments are particularly welcome.

The Grand Union Youth Orchestra runs monthly masterclasses/workshops for its members as well as open introductory workshops during school holidays and half-terms for new recruits. 

Following from our successful Summer School, we are launching our extraordinary Autumn season programme, which will culminate in Rhythms and Revolution performance on Sunday December 3rd – at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 

We have chosen this theme for the GUYO autumn programme partly as a contribution to Rich Mix’s programme throughout 2017 commemorating the Russian revolution, but also for musical reasons… Drums and drumming have always been associated with insurgency, a means of gaining attention and gathering momentum; but rhythm can also be more subtly subversive. .. 

Here are the details of our Masterclasses in preparation for our Rhythms and Revolution performance in December: 

Date: Sunday 1st of October  Time: 10:00 - 13:30  Venue; Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA  Led by special guest and master-drummer Abass Dodoo in rhythms and songs from Ghana. Abass will be providing authentic African music, as well as Jazz rhythms and improvisation. 

Date: Sunday 5th of November  Time: 10:00 - 13:30  Venue; Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA  Special Guest Brazilian Ricardo Axé will be performing at the event. Ricardo is an expert in candomblé and maracatú from Bahia & Salvador.