The Grand Union Youth Orchestra

Grand Union Youth
Orchestra of East London

The Grand Union Youth Orchestra of East London is an ensemble of talented young musicians from East London between the ages of 15-25 who play an amazing range of instruments.

Blending Indian ragas and Turkish melodies with Latin rhythms and African drumming, with a pinch of jazz and European harmony thrown into the pot, this Youth Orchestra says “Yes!” to everything and makes it work. Immersed in elements of music that span the globe, this ensemble is outfitted with instruments from all cultures, including saz, sarangi, sitar and steel pans. Mix in a spicy percussion section of tabla, dhol, djembe and congas and serve it up with bluesy solos and riffs from brass, wind and strings – GUYO will turn your conception of ‘world music’ and ‘youth orchestra’ on its head.

Latest news

Places still available on Open workshop 24th July

Are you 12 years or older? Do you play a musical instrument of any kind? Yes? Then Grand Union Orchestra invites you to bring your instrument along and try something new at this FREE world music workshop as part of the London 2012 Open Weekend. Find out more or register

A weekend with the Grand Union

The upcoming weekend is set to be an extremely active one for the Grand Union Orchestra, with events running right through Friday night to Sunday evening. Read our new blog to find out more.

Latest music and videos

On the Silk Road

Video extracts from Grand Union Youth Orchestra's Winter Celebration concert on 12th December 2009. The group take a journey accross the Great Silk Road.

Grand Union Feature on Resonance 104.4 FM

Ed Foster presents a radio programme about the history an ideas behind Grand Union Orchestra.

Latest news

Places still available on Open workshop 24th July

Are you 12 years or older? Do you play a musical instrument of any kind? Yes? Then Grand Union Orchestra invites you to bring your instrument along and try something new at this FREE world music workshop as part of the London 2012 Open Weekend. Find out more or register

A weekend with the Grand Union

The upcoming weekend is set to be an extremely active one for the Grand Union Orchestra, with events running right through Friday night to Sunday evening. Read our new blog to find out more.

GUYO branding complete

The GUYO now has a new logo, new postcard flyers and posters created. Thanks to all GUYO members who contributed ideas to this. If you would like any posters or flyers email Hannah@granduinion.org.uk

Get involved

If you're a young musician living in East London, and like jazz/world music, come along and get involved!