20, 21, 23, 24 November 2024
Milton Court Concert Hall
Guildhall Jazz Festival
x EFG London Jazz Festival
Digital Programmes
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Milton Court
Eating is not permitted in the auditorium.
Drinks are allowed inside the auditorium in polycarbonates.
Filming or recording of the performance is not permitted.
Latecomers will be able to enter the auditorium at a suitable break in the performance.
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Founded in 1880 by the City of London Corporation
Chair of the Board of Governors
The Hon. Emily Benn
Principal
Professor Jonathan Vaughan
Vice-Principal & Director of Music
Armin Zanner
Select Programme:
Wednesday 20 November
8.45pm Helena Kay & Peter Johnstone
Thursday 21 November
8.30pm Giacomo Smith & Mozes Rosenberg
Saturday 23 November
5.30pm Junior Guildhall Big Band & Choir
Sunday 24 November
3pm London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra
Arran
Wednesday 20 November
1pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
James Leaver-Whitfield double bass
Luke Brueck-Seeley drums
Valentine Cheesbrough electric guitar
Daniel Fawcett-Tuke electric guitar
Arran are a modern jazz quartet that blend tight and swinging straight-ahead jazz with a wide range of influences such as avant-garde and ambient music, Americana, psychedelic rock, folk and fusion. With a lineup featuring two guitarists, double bass and drums, they aim to bring a fresh soundscape to the world of jazz while staying deeply embedded in the tradition.
Jasmine Sextet
Wednesday 20 November
2pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Jemima Whyte alto saxophone
Hyokyung Jung guitar
Diarra Walcott-Ivanhoe keys
Luke Brueck Seeley drums
Louis Gascoyne bass
Angel Wong voice
Led by Angel Wong, the Jasmine Sextet is a group that focuses on performing original repertoire and a stylistic range of music by the likes of Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea and more, with a creative ethos that is informed by an emphasis on freedom, interplay and collective expression.
Daria Blyzniuk Quintet
Wednesday 20 November
3pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Daria Blyzniuk voice
Owen Eastwood piano
John Alcock saxophone
Natan Kedzierski drums
Eliot Whitehouse bass
Daria is a Ukrainian jazz singer. She is one of a few Ukrainian artists representing Ukraine on the UK jazz scene. Daria studied singing in Ukraine, Amsterdam, Berlin and now she is a Masters student at Guildhall School of Music & Drama. With her quintet she performs arrangements of Great American Songbook repertoire, post-bop, fusion and modal jazz. She draws inspiration in Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock’s music. Daria explores improvisation and interpretation, captivating the listener with heart-felt and emotional performance.
Hyo Jung’s 7tet
Wednesday 20 November
4pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Hyokyung Jung guitar
Luke Brueck Seeley drums
Will Jutton double bass/bass guitar
Vicente Magalhaes piano
Josh Stidwill synth
Jemima Whyte alto saxophone
Matt Hill trumpet
Hyokyung Jung is a South Korean guitarist/composer and band leader who has various musical loves from across the spectrum, which includes jazz, rock, funk and fusion, producing unique playing styles and tones.
Hyo’s music is a blend of jazz and Korean traditional music with exciting groove and rhythms. Her compositions has already made waves in the music scene with the remarkable releases. One of her band Hyowa Project’s single ‘Dido Chil Chae’ earned her a coveted spot on the shortlist for the Nova Jazz 2022 in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland and Peter Whittingham Jazz Award 2023.
With her brand-new 7tet with a stella lineup, she presents various musical spectrum with her original compositions and covers inspired by Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Cedar Walton, Geri Allen with eclentic timbres from Korean traditional music and 70/80’s bands like Genesis, Casiopea, T-Square.
She graduated in 2021 from Leeds Conservatoire with a first class in jazz guitar performance, and has received only non-classical music award in South Korea, ‘CJ Music Scholarship’ to study at Guildhall School of Music and Drama for the postgraduate jazz course.
Nestor Vasilakis Quintet
Wednesday 20 November
7pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Jakub Klimiuk guitar
Cody Moss piano
Ezekiel Ajie bass
Finn Genockey drums
Nestor Vasilakis saxophone
Since 2016, Nestor has performed at numerous jazz clubs, concert halls, and festivals, in Greece and internationally such as the United Nations New York 2018 Jazz Democracy Forum, Centre of Hellenic Studies Harvard University DC 2018 Eurobeat Festival, Jazzy Colors Festival Paris 2019, Home House London 2018, Mirabello Jazz Festival Crete 2016, Rhodes & South Aegean International Jazz Festival 2018/19/21, Bodrum Jazz Festival 2019, Onassis Cultural Centre 2019, Athens Concert Hall 2017, Herodion Theatre 2017, Greek Parliament 2016, National Greek Radio3 2018 and he has played with some of the best Greek and international jazz musicians and educators.
He has attended workshops and has played with experienced teachers and legendary players like David Liebman, Gilad Atzmon, Andy Sheppard, and Craig Bailey.
During 2023/24 he played at numerous clubs and festivals, notably at the Vortex Jazz Club with pianist Rick Simpson’s trio, at the London Jazz Festival as part of Guildhall School of Music & Drama events, and at the Nublu Jazz Festival in New York, alongside his father and top international jazz players such as Dave Kikoski, Essiet Essiet, Craig Bailey and Martin Valihora. He also participated in the Rhodes and South Aegean and the Bodrum jazz festivals alongside George Kontrafouris’s baby trio concept band in June 2024. This tour is supported by the European Festival Association under the EFFEA fund for emerging artists, co-funded by the European Union.
The Nestor Vasilakis Quintet project wants to realize Nestor’s unique take on the contemporary mainstream jazz New York sound bearing all its intensity, ferocity, and passion to the listener through original compositions and beloved jazz standards often played in the New York scene.
Anmol
Wednesday 20 November
7.45pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Tereza Catarov vocals
Simeon May saxophone and flute
Dan Fawcett guitar
Rory Hudson bass
Anmol Mohara drums and eastern percussion
Anmol is a drummer/tabla player and composer originally from Nepal but based in London. He has received two national awards: 'UK Young Drummer of The Year' (2017) and 'Yamaha Future Beat' (2018).
In 2023, Anmol graduated from Guildhall School of Music & Drama with a first class in jazz percussion. He has worked with a variety of musicians including Nicolas Meier, Antoine Fafard, Phil Meadows, and Gareth Lockrane.
Anmol’s music is deeply rooted to his homeland and has elements of traditional Nepali music, jazz and other groove-based genres. Influenced by renowned artists such as; Karim Ziad, Trilok Gurtu, Oumou Sangare, Nitin Sawhney, Sergio Mendes, A.R. Rahman and Nana Vasconcelos.
Helena Kay & Peter Johnstone
Wednesday 20 November
8.45pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Award-winning tenor saxophonist Helena Kay is quickly becoming renowned as one of the UK’s most creative and virtuosic jazz artists, with two critically acclaimed albums, four UK tours and performances at the UK’s most esteemed jazz venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The Royal Albert Hall and The Vortex.
Their latest album, Golden Sands (2022), was released on Kay’s own label, Sulis Records, in October 2022. The album received high praise from the jazz media, showcasing original compositions that are reflective of Kay’s experiences in their homeland of Scotland, and their time spent living in London and New York City.
Kay’s well-received debut album, Moon Palace (Ubuntu 2018), followed their Peter Whittingham Jazz Award win in 2017, which also funded the project.
In addition to being an avid composer, Kay is a prolific and self-managing performer, having booked four of their own tours in the UK with support from Help Musicians, Creative Scotland and Arts Council England. They have also featured in a wide variety of other bands and alongside some of the UK’s finest jazz talents, including Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, EuroRadio Jazz Orchestra, Ryan Quigley, Zoe Rahman, Yazz Ahmed, Sean Gibbs and Seonaid Aitken.
Forthcoming Events
Guildhall Jazz Orchestra and Choir feat. Ola Onabulé
Friday 29 November
Milton Court Concert Hall
Join us as the Guildhall Jazz Orchestra and Choir bring the soulful sounds of Ola Onabulé to the stage. Prepare for an evening that combines jazz, soul and funk music.
Guildhall Big Band present Chicago: A South Wind Blows
5 December 2024
Silk Street Music Hall
By the mid-1920s, the epicentre of jazz and popular music was beginning to shift to New York, but Chicago wasn't down for the count just yet.
Guildhall Studio Ensemble feat. Bill Laurance
6 December 2024
Milton Court Concert Hall
Pianist, keyboardist and composer Bill Laurance leads the inaugural performance of the Guildhall Studio Ensemble.
Ultimatum
Thursday 21 November
1pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Isaac James drums
Josh Stidwill keyboard/synth/piano
Jon Batchelor bass
A dynamic, exciting, new jazz-fusion band, made up of three friends hailing from the vibrant heart of London. Blending the soulful depth of gospel music, the smooth rhythms of neo-soul, the infectious grooves of funk, and the intricate melodies of 70s jazz fusion, we create a timeless and refreshingly contemporary sound.
Our music celebrates the diverse influences that shaped the musicians we are today, and together, we support each other in the pursuit of musical excellence.
Beluga
Thursday 21 November
2pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Louis Gascoyne bass and vocals
Baylee Blu vocals
Thomas Sladden piano and keyboard
Alex Astill guitar
Frank Hawkes drums
Led by Baylee Blu and Louis Gascoyne, Beluga are a Jazz infused band based in London. Their influences are Stevie Wonder, Esperanza Spalding, Tom Misch and Miles Davis.
Orchard
Thursday 21 November
3pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Evie Hill vocals
Diarra Walcott-Ivanhoe piano
Reuben Merry drums
Joe Orme bass
Calum Harrison guitar
Cat Eden trombone
Matt Hill trumpet
Jemima Whyte alto saxophone
Orchard are the newest eight-piece neo-soul group to emerge from the London jazz scene. Having met at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, they have been shaped by their shared love of the jazz tradition, and yet bring their most valuable contributions to the music through individual influences and unique musical backgrounds. Celebrating the interaction between individuality and collective experience is what Orchard’s music is all about - like rows of trees in the orchard, each individual voice grows in conversation with the whole.
Heavily influenced by artists such as Roy Hargrove, D'Angelo, Robert Glasper and Kokoroko, Orchard’s music synthesises meaningful songwriting with heavy grooves, warm horn lines, and blistering improvisation. Having met on the Artist Masters course, Orchard’s sound is fully grown - they are set to release an EP later this year.
Lucy Joy Quintet
Thursday 21 November
7.30pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Lucy Joy voice
Alex Allen guitar
Thomas Sladden piano
Louis Gascoyne bass
Luke Brueck Seeley drums
The Lucy Joy Quintet fuses modal jazz and improvisation with modern songwriting performing a combination of modal standards with original vocalese and original music by Lucy Joy. Influences from McCoy Tyner to Billie Holiday are drawn together into a powerful, lyrical sound.
Giacomo Smith & Mozes Rosenberg
Thursday 21 November
8.30pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Celebrated clarinettist Giacomo Smith and Dutch Sinti guitarist Mozes Rosenberg join together to bridge culture, tradition and time to create unique concerts drawing on the history of Django Reinhard’s music. Mozes’ virtuosic guitar and Giacomo’s breathtaking range of expression brings a new energy to this timeless music. In this all-star lineup, Giacomo joins forces with Dutch Sinti guitarist Mozes Rosenberg to move Django’s winning instrumental formula into the modern era. With their quartet they perform original compositions, swing era classics, and other songs from outside the typical gypsy swing and Manouche repertoire.
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Guildhall’s Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024
All online gifts between
3–10 December will be doubled!
“A career within the music industry felt like a
far-off dream and simply an aspiration but
now, thanks to my scholarship donors, I know I am much closer to making this dream a reality.”
Lowri, Soprano
At Guildhall School we are committed to ensuring every student can immerse themselves in their training without constraints, allowing them to make their mark on our cultural landscape.
Enhancing our scholarships provision is crucial to this, turning dreams into reality and enabling talented successful applicants to join one of the world’s top conservatoires.
By donating to our Big Give Christmas Challenge, you can help us achieve that goal – and if you give between 3–10 December, your gift will be doubled!
Every £1 donated online between 12pm on 3 December and 12pm on 10 December* makes twice the difference to our students.
Contact Hannah, Becca or Meg at development@gsmd.ac.uk / 020 4582 2415 if you experience any issues donating online.
To donate by Direct Debit, cheque, charity voucher or via our US charity partner, please visit gsmd.ac.uk/scholarships. Every gift makes a huge difference.
*While matching lasts.
Junior Guildhall Big Band and Jazz Choir
Saturday 23 November
5.30pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Junior Guildhall Big Band, Jazz Choir and vocal soloists perform Ollie Weston's new arrangements of Radio Music Society by Esperanza Spalding.
NYJO & Cleveland Watkiss Present: Sun Ra Reimagined
Saturday 23 November
8pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Following its debut at Gilles Peterson’s ‘We Out Here’ Festival this summer we are proud to present NYJO & Cleveland Watkiss Present: Sun Ra Reimagined with Musical Direction by Cleveland Watkiss MBE, featuring guest artist and creative collaborator, Sunshine the Afrooist, NYJO are bringing their groundbreaking tribute to Sun Ra and Afrofuturism to Milton Court, for the EFG London Jazz Festival.
NYJO musicians were inspired by the impactful performance of the Arkestra at We Out Here 2023, which inspired this unique homage, where past and future collide, celebrating the genius of Sun Ra and jazz as a spiritual expression.
Respecting Sun Ra's musicality and ideals, this special 15-piece NYJO ensemble led by Cleveland Watkiss features vocalist Sunshine The Afrooist with strings, synths, a rhythm section, and horn section. Expect a fusion of Afrofuturism, Jungle/ Drum & Bass, and Electronica, feeding into this innovative reinterpretation of these 1970s masterpieces alongside original arrangements. From UK Jazz to Dubstep and Broken Beat, this genre-defying transcendental performance is sure to live on in your memory for years to come.
The starting point, Space is the Place celebrates Sun Ra’s visionary approach to Afrofuturism. This genre, which intertwines reflections on black identity with futuristic aspirations, finds its roots in Sun Ra’s pioneering spirit. Known for his eclectic use of electronics and bold stage presence, Sun Ra’s legacy has served as a beacon for creativity and Black liberation.
National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO)
Cleveland Watkiss director
Sunshine The Afrooist vocals
Vocals
Rhianna Fimpong
Viola
Laura Moisey-Gray
Flute
Alex Wardill
Benjy Sandler
Saxophone
Lauren Breen
Isabella Zufolo
Jared Meade
Trumpet
Olivia Cuttill
Trombone
Jai Patel
Taylor Hylton
Keyboard
Sherif Doherty
Moog Grandmother Synth
Hani Elias
Guitar
Dhiraj Kainth
Electric Bass
Sophia Moir
Drum Kit
Miles Pillinger
Percussion
Sophie Warner
MASSIVE CHOPS Big Band
Sunday 24 November
1pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
MASSIVE CHOPS is a groove Big Band mostly comprised of Guildhall students led by the experienced producer, composer and arranger Josh Stidwill who has been studying Jazz Composition & Arranging under Scott Stroman, Gareth Lockrane and Tom Richards. All of the arrangements and compositions are his originals and they draw influence from a broad range of artists and bands such as CASIOPEA, Louis Cole and Kirk Franklin, showcasing a variety of genres which aren't commonly found in Big Band repertoire such as Japanese Jazz-fusion and Gospel music especially. The group seeks to create a funky futuristic yet nostalgic sound by incorporating electronic synth elements as well as instruments from all over the world, whilst still honouring the great music of the 20th century.
Formed 2 years ago, they have already performed together in two well attended concerts as well as having recorded multiple tracks in the studio. MASSIVE CHOPS strives and continues to contribute a fresh sound to the world of Big Band music.
London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra
Sunday 24 November
3pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
This brand new ensemble, led by jazz drummer/composer Finn Genockey, 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 College of Music alongside guest appearances from key faculty members across the colleges.
The 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, Christine Jensen, Thad Jones and Stan Sulzmann 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.
London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra (LIJO)
Finn Genockey director
Chris Potter tenor sax/bass clarinet
Vocals
Aitzi Cofre Real
Flute
Rūta Sīpola
Woodwinds
Mike Anning
Kasper Rietkerk
Matt Redmond
Zac Taylor-Schindler
Noah Chiari
Trumpet
Brinley Heywood-Snell
Josh Short
Josh Elcock
Gabriel Taylor
Klara Devlin
Trombone
Joel Knee
Joe Evans
Matt Seddon
Olivia Hughes (bass)
Guitar
Joe Garland
Piano
Scottie Thompson
Bass
Murray Dare
Drums
Jack Thomas
Vibraphone
Lauren Bye
Ben Liu Trio
feat. Marlon Hibbert
Sunday 24 November
7pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Ben Liu piano
Marlon Hibbert steel pan
Oscar Ho bass
Manuel Filgueiras drums
An exciting collaboration between the up and coming Ben Liu Trio and Marlon Hibbert – leader of the Endurance Steel Orchestra. Featuring steel pan, an instrument that is not commonly associated with jazz, a mix of originals and jazz standards will premier for the first time in this performance.
Jemima Whyte
Sunday 24 November
7.45pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Jemima Whyte alto saxophone
Cat Eden trombone
Meg Cronin tenor saxophone
Myra Brownbridge double bass
Ananda Brandaõ drums
Lucian McCauley piano
Jemima Whyte and her 6-piece band combine the contemporary alto sound with rich horn harmonies and infectious grooves. Inspired by the sounds of other modern players such Kenny Garrett and Baptiste Herbin, the 23-year-old saxophonist and her compositions showcase her rich tone and angular improvising style.
Jemima found a love for afrobeat and drum and bass grooves after studying at Leeds Conservatoire and taking in the vibrant jazz/electronic scene, and her compositions blend energetic drum breaks with 3-part horn lines. The band is made up of an all-female frontline of alto sax, tenor sax and trombone, as well as a female bassist and drummer, with an aim to encourage diversity and support/work alongside talented female jazz musicians in the London scene.
Sultan Stevenson Trio
Sunday 24 November
8.30pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Sultan Stevenson piano
Jacob Gryn bass
Joel Waters drums
Sultan Stevenson is one of the most exciting young jazz musicians in London today. He is a product of both the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy and Tomorrow’s Warriors, from a young age under the tuition of renowned jazz musicians such as Julian Joseph, Gary Crosby, Simon Purcell and Robert Mitchell. He graduated from Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where he studied jazz piano up until 2023.
In 2022 Stevenson recorded his debut album with his trio (Jacob Gryn and Joel Waters) the album also features Josh Short (trumpet) and his mentor Denys Baptiste (tenor saxophone). The album, tipped for success, earned Sultan a signing from Whirlwind Recordings. It was released on 24 March and has received much critical acclaim. Sultan launched his debut album at The Jazz Café on 31 March. The show sold out, it was a celebration of not only Sultan’s music but of young talent within the London jazz scene today. Sultan has been touring the album internationally and has gone on to perform at multiple outstanding venues worldwide.
In March 2023, Sultan went on to win the Parliamentary Jazz Media Award for ‘Best Newcomer’ and is considered one of the brightest stars of his generation.
In 2024, Sultan continues to take the jazz scene by storm. Sultan was hand-selected to perform two showcase slots at SXSW in Texas as part of the jazz Re:freshed ‘outernational’ event. Adding to this, Sultan has performed at the jazzahead! Festival in Germany, Brick Lane Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival for a sold-out show and was interviewed live for Radio 3, all in the space of four months.
Donate
We hope you thoroughly enjoy today’s performance from Guildhall School. If you feel inspired by our students and would like to support world-class training for these talented performers and production artists, we would be grateful for a voluntary donation.
If you want to double your gift at no extra cost to you, why not donate to our Big Give Christmas Appeal from 3–10 December. The giving webpage will go live on 3 December. Scan the QR or visit bit.ly/3Y8SGVQ
Please visit our website at gsmd.ac.uk
Guildhall School is provided by the City of London Corporation as part of its contribution to the cultural life of London and the nation.