Preview: National Youth Jazz Orchestra Celebrate Amy Winehouse

Words: Katie Lyle
Monday 20 September 2021
reading time: min, words

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra are coming to the Royal Concert Hall on Thursday 23 September to celebrate the life and music of Amy Winehouse…

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The concert series will celebrate Amy Winehouse’s legacy, reimagining hits and revisiting early works she sang with the 24-piece National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) as a promising sixteen-year-old singer, back in 2000. It will be a chance to see incredible young musicians honour Amy’s short but unforgettable career with a performance for fans of big band jazz and Amy obsessives. 

Undoubtedly one of the greatest musical talents to come out of the UK, Amy’s unmistakable character, vocal dexterity and masterful song writing made her a pop icon. Now, ten years on from her passing, her music still shines, undiminished, in all its defiant brilliance. 

Arrangements will be brought from award-winning composer, saxophonist and improviser Oliva Murphy and brass instrumentalist Winston Rollins will direct the show. Talented Leeds native Lucy-Anne Daniels will take on the role of Amy, and she explained, “It’s a bit nerve-wracking because Amy was once me! It’s really lovely because it highlights both me, and Olivia as up-and-coming musicians”.

NYJO features some of the most talented young jazz musicians in the UK, and after decades performing in a variety of venues across the UK and Europe, they have launched the careers of many other Jazz musicians including Guy Barker, Mark Nightingale and Laura Gurd. 

Existing to empower young jazz musicians and inspire music audiences across the UK, NYJO have grown from a single jazz orchestra to a multifaceted organisation that is committed to support and develop young musicians at the onset of their careers. 

The orchestra provides a gateway for accomplished young musicians to progress into the industry. The band represents a unique opportunity to gain vital experience in professional environments; explore the myriad styles and sounds within the genre; and form new relationships with a range of other musicians.

You can see The National Youth Jazz Orchestra Celebrate Amy Winehouse at Royal Concert Hall on Thursday 23 September. Tickets are £18.50 and can be purchased here.

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