Kings Place Jazz Orchestra Presents: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, afternoon event at Hall One, Kings Place, London.

Date: Sunday, November 02, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/jazz/kings-place-jazz-orchestra/

Kings Place Jazz Orchestra
Presents: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue

George Gershwin (arr. Sammy Nestico) Strike Up The Band
George Gershwin (arr. Callum Au) It Ain’t Necessarily So
George Gershwin (arr. Gil Evans) Bess, You Is My Woman Now
George Gershwin (arr. Callum Au) Prelude II (A Sort of Blues)
George Gershwin (arr. Callum Au) How Long Has This Been Going On?
Duke Ellington Cotton Tail
George Gershwin (arr. Mark Nightingale) But Not For Me
George Gershwin (arr. Callum Au) Rhapsody In Blue

Kings Place proudly presents the launch of the newly formed Kings Place Jazz Orchestra. Directed by award-winning composer, arranger and trombonist Callum Au, and featuring acclaimed guest pianist Rob Barron, the Orchestra will perform a dynamic programme of music by George Gershwin, culminating in Callum’s epic new arrangement of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’.

Join us for the Orchestra’s debut performance on Sunday 2 November, as they take you on a journey through Gershwin’s music – reimagined through the voices of jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington.

KPJO is a handpicked, project-based ensemble, made up of the UK’s finest jazz and big band musicians, alongside rising-star young artists. Kings Place Jazz Orchestra is more than a new resident ensemble – it’s a bold statement of artistic ambition.

The ensemble hopes to serve as an inspiration for young musicians, opening its doors throughout the year to experience the ensemble in the surroundings of Kings Place, Hall One.

Committed to celebrating the depth of jazz tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary large ensemble writing, KPJO is set to become a cornerstone of Kings Place’s vibrant musical landscape.

This event will last approximately 2 hours, including an interval.

Founded in 2025 by Callum Au (Creative Director), Hannah Hutton (Producer), and Sam McShane (Artistic Director, Kings Place), the Orchestra was created to bring the powerful, immersive sound of the big band to the heart of a contemporary arts centre.

Callum Au is a British composer, arranger, orchestrator, and trombonist. He writes music across a wide range of genres, with a particular passion for orchestral and large jazz ensemble music. He is highly regarded for his stylistic awareness and versatility, and has worked with some of the world’s biggest artists.
Over the past fifteen years, Callum has established himself as one of the busiest arrangers in the world. He has had the privilege of writing music for many international artists including Quincy Jones, Jamie Cullum and RAYE, and ensembles including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the WDR Funkhaus Orchestra, and the Danish Radio Big Band.

Rob Barron is a London-based jazz pianist, arranger and composer and has been described as “one of the most creative and versatile musicians of his generation.” Regarded as a mainstay of the London jazz and studio scene and constantly in demand, he is a first call pianist highly regarded for his improvisational flair, innate musicality and a deft touch that reveal influences inspired by pianists such as Hank Jones, Wynton Kelly and Tommy Flanagan.

Date: Sun 2 Nov
Start time: 3pm (Doors: 2.30pm)
Venue: Hall One
Price: £25.00-£45.00
+ 12.5% (£6 cap) Transaction fee.
+ £1 Building levy.
https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/31663/31664

Kings Place
90 York Way,
London,
N1 9AG.