Guildhall Jazz Festival: NYJO with Sam Eastmond

John Zorn’s epic Masada project has redefined the concept of Radical Jewish music for almost three decades. Composer and bandleader Sam Eastmond has the singular honour of being the only British artist selected by Zorn to give this body of work new life.  

For a second time – after its debut at Café OTO in 2021 – NYJO and Eastmond join forces to bring the masterful music of Zorn’s Masada to stage, reworked for a 17-piece orchestra of talented young musicians. Expect tight punchy horn lines, a relentlessly driving rhythm section, soaring solos, and Eastmond's signature punk energy. 

NYJO is a registered charity, whose mission is to empower young jazz musicians and inspire audiences across the UK through engaging participation projects and impactful live performances. Founded in 1965, NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra to a multifaceted organisation that is committed to supporting and developing musicians of all styles and standards. Whether they want to become the next emerging artist or simply play for fun, NYJO supports them on their journey, nurturing their creative development and offering the opportunity to play under the mentorship of and alongside exciting guest artists and MDs. 

Led by jazz drummer/composer Finn Genockey, The London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra features some of the most exciting up-and-coming jazz musicians currently studying at or recent graduates of London conservatoires Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Royal Academy of Music and Trinity Laban. 

This ensemble plays a wide selection of repertoire from students’ own compositions as well as music by notable large ensemble composers & arrangers: Bob Brookmeyer, Nikki Iles, Jim McNeely, Maria Schneider and Christine Jensen to name a few. 

LIJO strives to push the boundaries past the average jazz orchestra concert, playing new and rarely heard compositions with new and exciting lineups.

This concert will feature a full set of Genockey's compositions written for the band following from recent performances including two sold out shows at the Barbican and Vortex Jazz Club. 

London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra