+ Grand Union Orchestra

‘The acknowledged pioneer of cross-cultural music-making in Britain, bringing together world-class musicians and singers drawn from across the whole jazz and world music spectrum to tour nationally and internationally. Founded in 1982 long before the term world-jazz was even invented and led by visionary composer and pianist Tony Haynes, the music of Grand Union draws on many diverse musical cultures and is based around the experience of the performers themselves – many of whom have been or are descended from migrants or refugees ... As well as the full 18-20 strong Orchestra, Grand Union tours with smaller bands whose repertoire is based on traditional music from the musicians’ own countries of origin ... In 2006 it established its own youth orchestra (GUYO) which is open to young musicians playing any instrument from any culture  ... Grand Union’s priority is live performance, and since 1982 we have toured regularly - and continue to tour - throughout the whole of the UK and to many parts of Europe and the rest of the world.‘