National Youth Jazz Orchestra unveils NYJO Blueprint Orchestra.

Thursday, July 02, 2026

NYJO has announced the launch of NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, an innovative Big Band project for emerging professional musicians, aged 18 - 25. Press release, including details of live shows, attached.

We have received the following press release;

NYJO Launches NYJO Blueprint Orchestra
A New Forward-Looking Big Band Programme for Emerging Musicians

NYJO is proud to announce the launch of NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, an innovative Big Band project for emerging professional musicians, aged 18 - 25. Designed to support musicians in developing high-level large ensemble skills, the programme creates a forward-looking artistic context that reflects today’s jazz landscape.

Led by Musical Director Olivia Murphy, NYJO Blueprint Orchestra reprises NYJO’s big band model through consistent rehearsal, creative ambition, and a focussed commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Meeting weekly across four ten-week terms, the ensemble focuses on trust, cohesion, and the technical and creative skills required to perform at the highest professional standard.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra forms an integral part of NYJO’s development pathway, forming a continuation of each musician’s development from earlier programmes into professional life. Orchestra members were recruited via a national call-out earlier in 2026 and their chairs are held for one year, reinforcing the ensemble as an ongoing training opportunity rather than an end point.

The orchestra will take a deep dive into both legacy and contemporary large ensemble music, with works by composers including Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Maria Schneider, Bob Brookmeyer, Toshiko Akiyoshi, with the orchestra’s first live show debuting in September 2026.

We are thrilled to announce the orchestra’s debut performance at Windsor Festival on Sat 19 Sep. Launching with a bold programme that celebrates two of the most influential figures in big band jazz, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington, and showcases the power, innovation and lasting appeal of large-ensemble jazz. Over the year, Murphy will also compose a new large-scale work written specifically for the orchestra, culminating in a major summer performance in 2027.

Olivia Murphy, NYJO Blueprint MD, says:
“I’m really looking forward to working with NYJO to create this new ensemble. Blueprint will be a band which strives for excellence and beauty; refining and performing a variety of the brilliant jazz orchestra works from over the last 75 years. A positive and inspiring learning environment, Blueprint will allow emerging professional musicians to reach their full potential.”

Yvette Griffith OBE, NYJO Chief Executive, says:
“Returning to the roots of our name, in 2026 NYJO is creating a National Youth Jazz Orchestra - NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, led by Olivia Murphy. Together, they will set a high standard of musical excellence, showcasing phenomenal performance skills while offering young musicians exemplary training and opportunities. We will upskill young musicians to professional performance level, preparing them for careers in jazz and beyond. NYJO Blueprint musicians will learn from and alongside leading national and international artists. The result is a flagship youth orchestra that reflects the gender and cultural diversity of today’s society and illustrates the blueprint for what jazz youth orchestras should look like while holding firm to the highest standards of excellence. I couldn’t be happier that NYJO alumna Olivia Murphy, already part of our artistic faculty, is leading the work that will shape highly skilled young NYJO musicians, ready to contribute to tomorrow’s contemporary music landscape.”

Committed to representing the diversity of the society it serves, NYJO Blueprint Orchestra brings together musicians from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, demonstrating that artistic excellence and inclusivity are intrinsic aspects of NYJO’s mission. Through this programme, NYJO continues to shape the future of British jazz by creating new models, new opportunities and new possibilities for large ensemble music.

UPCOMING EVENTS;

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra at Windsor Festival
Windsor Parish Church, High Street, Sat 19 Sep 2026
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra makes its world debut at Windsor Festival with a bold programme celebrating two of the most influential figures in big band jazz, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra at PizzaExpress Live Soho
10 Dean Street, London, W1D 3RW, Mon 5 Oct
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra takes the stage at PizzaExpress Live Soho with its exciting brand of large ensemble music.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra: A Christmas Celebration
Smith Square Hall, Mon 7 Dec
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra presents a Christmas Big Band celebration. Expect a festive set, featuring Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite & Christmas classics and more.

About NYJO
NYJO is a registered charity and an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation with a mission to bring jazz and improvised music to young musicians aged 14-25, and audiences across the country. We strongly believe in the power of jazz as a tool for social change and work to creatively nurture young people, empowering them to develop, personally and artistically, through high-quality, accessible, and inclusive learning programmes and professional live performances.
With a strong commitment to making jazz and music making opportunities more evenly distributed across the UK, we work in collaboration with likeminded partners around the country to address access barriers to music education and deliver bespoke programmes that inspire young people to use jazz as a form of self-expression.
Web
http://www.nyjo.org.uk

Orchestra Bios:

Olivia Murphy NYJO Blueprint MD
Composer, conductor, and improviser Olivia Murphy is an innovative and colourful artist, with her music hailed as “some of the most exciting large ensemble jazz emerging from the London scene today” (UK Jazz News). Her main focus is large ensemble composition, and she has performed with her jazz orchestra across the UK including Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Pizza Express Jazz Club. Murphy has been funded by Help Musicians and the PRS Foundation, and awarded the Musicians’ Company Eddie Harvey Award for arrangement and the Dankworth Award for jazz composition. She has been commissioned to write for and work with various ensembles and institutions such as Cambridge University, University of Birmingham, Sonorite Saxophone Quartet and her works have been published by the ABRSM. Her most recent orchestral album Fateful Birds And Fledgling Stories was awarded 4.5 stars in Downbeat Magazine, described as “nothing short of a revelation” and featured on BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 3.

Sheen Bendon Trombone 2
Sheen Bendon is a jazz trombonist who performs regularly across Oxford, London, and Manchester. He currently serves as Vice-President of the Oxford University Jazz Orchestra (OUJO) and will join the orchestra on its September 2026 tour to Tokyo and Kansai. Sheen features on OUJO’s recent album Checkmate, which includes works composed and arranged by jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock alongside other selections from the orchestra’s repertoire. His musical influences span bebop, contemporary jazz, folk, and modern improvisatory styles. More recently, he has been exploring sounds inspired by Indian classical music and is keen to develop these influences further in his work. Alongside his musical pursuits, Sheen is studying Physics at the University of Oxford and looks forward to balancing his final year of study with weekly NYJO Blueprint Orchestra rehearsals in London.
Instagram: @s.bendon

Sacha Bistany -  Guitar
Sacha Bistany is an Irish jazz and classical guitarist based in London. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, he currently balances a career as both a performer and educator across the city. His playing is influenced by bebop and modern jazz traditions while also drawing upon his background in classical music, often incorporating a distinctive fingerstyle technique. Sacha has performed in a wide variety of venues, ranging from The Mildmay Club and Alfie’s Soho to Wigmore Hall and the Southbank Centre. As a composer, he is currently developing a collection of original works inspired by his love of Brazilian music.
Instagram: @sachabistany_guitar

Ellie Bradshaw -  Trumpet, Trumpet 1/2
Ellie Bradshaw is a trumpet player and composer based in London. After completing her undergraduate degree in Music at the University of York, she worked as a freelance trumpet player and teacher before relocating to London to further develop her performance and compositional practice. She is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Composition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, supported by the John Lunn Scholarship. Ellie enjoys performing a wide variety of music alongside some of London’s most exciting musicians and considers it a privilege to continue her musical development as a member of NYJO’s Blueprint Orchestra.
Instagram: @ebradshawmusic

Lydia Cochrane -  Tenor 2
Lydia Cochrane is a multi-woodwind player who originally trained as a classical saxophonist before becoming involved in the jazz scene through the National Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2021. Since then, she has immersed herself in improvisation, performing extensively across jazz, contemporary classical, and folk-improvisation settings. Her diverse musical interests continue to shape a creative and exploratory approach to performance and collaboration.
Instagram: @lydiascochrane

Sophie Ford Piano (shared chair)
Sophie Ford began her musical journey as a classical pianist before discovering jazz several years ago. Having recently completed her first year studying Jazz at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, she has embraced every opportunity to explore new music and develop her artistry. Sophie finds her greatest inspiration through performance and values music as her primary means of self-expression. Influenced by musicians including Kenny Kirkland, Kenny Wheeler, Bud Powell, and Wayne Shorter, she enjoys performing in both small ensemble and big band settings. Her favourite aspect of making music is the interaction between musicians and the spontaneity of collective improvisation.
Instagram: @sophie.ford__

Emma Foulds Tenor Sax 1
Emma Foulds is an undergraduate student at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with a passion for both performing and composing jazz. Originally from Tadcaster in Yorkshire, Emma draws inspiration from saxophone greats Joe Lovano and Joe Henderson. Alongside her studies and musical projects, she enjoys playing board games and drinking tea.

Elliot Hampton Bass Trombone
Elliot Hampton is a low brass player and singer from the South East of England. Although classically trained, his interest in jazz developed through lessons with a trombone teacher who was actively involved in the jazz world. This growing fascination led him to study on the Junior Guildhall Jazz Programme before accepting a place on the undergraduate Jazz course at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, where he is currently continuing his studies and developing his musical voice.
Instagram: @elliot.hampton

Jamie Harms Alto 1 - Alto and Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Jamie Harms is a saxophonist from South East London and has been a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra since 2023. He is currently completing a Master’s degree in Jazz at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Alongside his studies, Jamie leads his original project, CLIO, which has been performing across London in recent months. Drawing inspiration from artists including Norman Willmore, Kenny Wheeler, and Angine de Poitrine, his music seeks to channel chaotic energy through a contemporary jazz lens. CLIO’s latest release, Demo Tape Volume 3, was featured on TIDAL’s Out There – Best New Jazz playlist. Jamie is also developing a project centred on the music of John Zorn’s Masada, co-arranged with Sam Eastmond and performed by a dedicated quintet.
Instagram: @111jamieharms

Poppy Helmer Flute
Poppy Helmer is a flautist and saxophonist from Brighton, now based in London, where she recently completed a BMus in Jazz Flute at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. During her studies, Poppy performed with the Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Byron Wallen, Bruno Heinen, and Percy Pursglove. She recently recorded flute on Olivia Murphy’s Siren Cycle and has performed as part of Murphy’s jazz orchestra. Leading her own quartet and, at times, sextet, Poppy regularly performs her original music. Career highlights to date include appearances at We Out Here Festival, Brick Lane Jazz Festival, and the Vortex Jazz Club.
Instagram: @poppyhelmer

Poppy Hughes Trumpet 4
Poppy Hughes is a trumpet player currently studying on the Master’s Performance programme at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. She previously completed her undergraduate studies at Leeds Conservatoire on the Classical with Jazz course, where she developed a versatile approach to performance across multiple musical styles. Drawing on experience in both classical and jazz settings, Poppy has developed a particular passion for performing in big bands and pit orchestras, which remain her favourite musical environments. She is delighted to be performing as part of NYJO’s Blueprint Orchestra.
Instagram: @poppytrumpet

Stan Lawrence 1st/2nd Trumpet
Stan Lawrence is a trumpet player and composer who began playing the trumpet at the age of eight. Originally trained as a classical musician, he now primarily performs jazz and jazz- adjacent music. After graduating from the University of Manchester in 2024, Stan established himself as a freelance musician, performing both on land and aboard cruise ships. His recent creative interests focus on the intersections between jazz, folk, and contemporary classical music, though he remains passionate about exploring music of all styles and discovering new sounds and ideas. Outside of music, Stan enjoys art, cooking, philosophy, and hiking.
Instagram: @stan.lawrence_

Josh Mitchell-Rayner Piano
Josh Mitchell-Rayner is a jazz pianist and composer originally from Newcastle upon Tyne. Passionate about collective creativity and spontaneity in music, he spent two years performing with Knats before leaving his hometown to explore a broader range of musical styles. Developing a particular interest in contemporary classical music, Josh went on to study composition with Mark-Anthony Turnage and Errollyn Wallen, alongside piano with Mike Moran, at the Royal College of Music in London. He currently focuses on writing original music for his jazz trio, Common Ground, teaching young musicians, and contributing to a wide variety of independent musical projects. He is due to graduate from the Royal College of Music in July 2026.
Instagram: @joshdoesjazz

Benjamin Moss 1st Trombone
Benjamin Moss is a 24-year-old trombonist from Cheshire and holds a Master of Music degree from the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied with Carol Jarvis and Iain Dixon. Inspired by musicians including Dexter Gordon, Bill Watrous, and Sammy Nestico, Ben has built a busy and varied performance career across the UK, appearing at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and Matt & Phred’s. Alongside performing, he has developed a strong passion for arranging and bandleading, with original works and arrangements performed by big bands across the North of England and several RNCM ensembles. Outside of music, Ben enjoys travelling and is on a continuing quest to brew the perfect flat white.
Instagram: @benmoss24

Miles Pillinger Drums
Manchester-born drummer, composer, and winner of the 2025 Peter Whittingham Award, Miles Pillinger intertwines raw improvisation with the rich, uplifting rhythms and melodies of Brazil. Drawing influence from Brian Blade, Hermeto Pascoal, Max Roach, and Chick Corea, his playing presents a melodic and creative sound described by Nikki Yeoh as “the voice of the youth.” At just 24, Miles has already made a significant impact on the UK jazz scene, performing with artists including Olivia Cuttill, Tara Lily, Mica Millar, Chip Wickham, and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. His upcoming debut album, Belonging, explores the importance of identity and self-expression through Afro-Brazilian jazz-inspired compositions.
Instagram: @miles.pillinger

Maisie Riley -  Baritone saxophone
Maisie Riley grew up in a highly musical family and began learning the piano from an early age. After completing her classical piano grades, she joined the Junior RNCM Saturday School, where she was encouraged to take up the saxophone. This experience marked the beginning of her deeper connection with music and ultimately led her to study at Chetham’s School of Music for sixth form, where she was first introduced to jazz. Since then, her musical knowledge and interests have continued to evolve. Maisie draws inspiration from saxophonists including Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, and Hank Mobley, and the music of this era continues to play a significant role in shaping her sound and artistic approach.
Instagram: @maisierileysaxrileysax

Holly Shearsmith -  Alto Sax 2
Holly Shearsmith began her musical journey as a classical pianist before moving to clarinet and eventually finding her primary musical voice on the saxophone. Alongside her musical pursuits, Holly studied Chemistry at university, where her research focused on photo-activated drug delivery methods. As a performer, she draws inspiration from artists including Cannonball Adderley, Jackie McLean, Sonny Stitt, Joe Henderson, John Hicks, McCoy Tyner, Gwilym Simcock, and Rachael Cohen. Having performed in big bands and large ensembles since the age of ten, Holly continues to value the energy, camaraderie, and collective musical experience that these groups provide.

Luca Santos Sims -  Drum Kit
Luca Santos Sims has been passionate about music for as long as he can remember, tapping rhythms on his knees from the age of four before being introduced to the drum kit at seven. Since then, he has sought to channel that passion through his playing and musical expression. After discovering jazz drumming at the age of 14, inspired in part by the film Whiplash and his experiences on the Guildhall Summer Course, Luca became committed to developing his craft and finding his own unique voice as a musician. Alongside performing, Luca is an arranger and currently works with a 70-piece orchestra as both drummer and arranger, contributing to projects including a large-scale Radiohead programme. His compositional style is heavily influenced by film music and anime soundtracks, drawing inspiration from artists and composers including Joe Hisaishi, Larnell Lewis, Roni Kaspi, C418, Hans Zimmer, Ludwig Göransson, Kohei Tanaka, and Yoshimasa Terui. He hopes to release a wealth of original music in the near future, driven by a simple goal: bringing entertainment, joy, and excitement to audiences.
Instagram: @luca.santos.sims

Benny Tayler Trumpet 3
Benny Tayler is a singer, trumpet player, and violinist currently studying Jazz Trumpet at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. During his studies, he has enjoyed a wide range of performance opportunities with the Guildhall Big Band, working alongside acclaimed musicians including Helen Sung, Billy Childs, and Fabian Almazan. He is also a member of the Guildhall Jazz Singers and has performed at notable events, including the reopening of the LSO St Luke’s venue. Benny’s musical journey began in Salisbury Cathedral Choir, where he developed a love of choral singing from a young age. He has also participated in programmes and ensembles including Junior Royal Academy of Music (JRAM), the West of England Youth Orchestra (WEYO), and the National Youth Orchestra Inspire programme. He is currently a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra for the upcoming academic year. Outside of music, Benny is an enthusiastic chess player and enjoys baking.

Lexi Turvey Trombone
Lexi Turvey began their journey with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra over a decade ago as a member of the NYJO Academy. The experience played a formative role in their development as a musician and helped shape their career as a freelance performer and brass teacher. Since studying at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Lexi has worked extensively across NYJO’s flagship ensembles and educational programmes, performing and teaching throughout the UK. They have appeared with pit orchestras, symphony orchestras, and big bands, while sharing their passion for music in classrooms and workshop settings nationwide.
Instagram: @alexturveytrombone

Macy Wright Double bass
Macy Wright is a bassist whose musical influences stem from a childhood surrounded by reggae, hip-hop, disco, and funk—genres that continue to shape her musical identity today. She began playing the flute at the age of eleven before joining an after-school music programme a year later, where the only available instrument was the bass guitar. Quickly embracing the opportunity, she began taking lessons and performing with a variety of ensembles despite not coming from a musical background. Following studies at GCSE level, the completion of a music teaching apprenticeship, and four years studying Jazz at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Macy’s passion for music continues to grow. She is excited to dedicate herself fully to her musical career and looks forward to seeing where the journey will lead.
Instagram: @macywrightbass