Grand Union Youth Orchestra

With members of Havering Youth Orchestra

Samba and ska will be among the colourful feast of international music played by the Grand Union Youth Orchestra and members of Havering Youth Orchestra at the Queen’s Theatre on Monday 6 October at 7.30pm.

This musical melting pot of cultures will see young Havering musicians join forces with the Grand Union Youth Orchestra of East London, an ensemble of talented young musicians aged from 15 – 25, who are all involved in composing and arranging their varied repertoire. Led by Grand Union’s professional world musicians, who train the younger members, this unique orchestra performs an intoxicating mix of different jazz, classical and folk traditions.

Audiences will travel the world through music from South America, the Caribbean and Africa to Eastern Europe, South Asia and China; with dance rhythms from samba and ska to bhangra and West African drumming. Grand Union’s amazing range of instruments includes the saz and sitar (different kinds of lute), the sarangi (an Indian fiddle) and tinkling steel pans.

Set up in 2007, the Grand Union Youth Orchestra consists of over 50 musicians from various social ethnic backgrounds. The inspiration for the Orchestra’s varied style of music is inspired, they say, by its roots in the East End, home to generations of immigrants, refugees and political exiles.

In the short time since it was established, the Orchestra has already captured plenty of media attention – they have featured on BBC TV London News, appeared on Radio 3 and Radio 4 and their sparkling performance at the Mayor’s EAST Festival in March earned them the title of Critic’s Choice Free Gig of the Week from Time Out.

Havering Youth Orchestra, based at the Sixth Form College, Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, plays a wide range of music with sections including strings, wind, brass and percussion.

Grand Union Youth Orchestra performs at the Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch on Monday 6 October at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10. To book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333. For further information about the Queen’s Theatre, visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk