York Music Forum Youth Jazz Ensemble: Royal Albert Hall here they come
YORK Music Forum Youth Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Music For Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on November 16.
The York musicians have been selected for this prestigious event after performances at this year’s Music For Youth regional and national festivals.
“Their journey began at the Music For Youth regional festivals, which took place at venues around the country with thousands of young musicians taking part,” says director Ian Chalk. “A small proportion of these were then invited to participate at the two-day national festival in Birmingham in July and a handful of those ensembles have been invited to perform at the Music For Youth Proms in November 2022.
“The Music For Youth Proms are a two-day musical extravaganza. Two special evening concerts will bring young musicians together from across the country for a spectacular concert like no other: full-scale symphony orchestras are showcased, alongside some of the best young jazz bands, chamber groups, pop bands and singer-songwriters from across the UK, and a unique specially produced Massed Ensemble of more than 400 musicians.”
The ten-strong York Music Forum Youth Jazz Ensemble is made up of some of the best young musicians in York, ranging in age from 13 to 19.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for these amazing young musicians and excellent reward for their hard work and great performances at the Music For Youth regional and national festivals,” says Ian. “We’re really proud of what the Youth Jazz Ensemble has achieved, and we’re delighted to be flying the flag for York at such an iconic venue.”
Did you know?
YORK Music Forum provides developing musicians with high quality and valuable musical experiences in “commercial” musical genres such as jazz, funk and pop.
The forum offers educational ensembles for both young musicians and adults, supported by a range of online resources.
The forum’s jazz education programme was a finalist in the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence in 2019 (Best Musical Initiative).
Brass players from the York Music Forum performing at Big Ian’s A Night To Remember charity concert at York Barbican in September
Light show: Big Ian Donaghy surveys the crowd’s torch display at A Night To Remember. Picture: Karen Boyes
WHEN Big Ian Donaghy shouted “See you next year!”, as he and the team took their final bow to a standing ovation at A Night To Remember on February 29 2020, they could never have envisaged what was just around the corner.
“A total lockdown. Schools closed. The only place to get a beer was your fridge and theatres stood in darkness because apparently ‘The show mustn’t go on’,” he laments. “Guitars were forbidden to come out of their cases for more than 500 day as crowds at gigs were deemed far more ‘dangerous’ than those watching sport.”
Roll on to 7.30pm, September 8 2022 and, thankfully, the return of A Night To Remember, the charity fundraising concert at York Barbican.
Banding together: Every musician and singer on stage at the finale to A Night To Remember. Picture: Duncan Lomax
“It will be 922 days since this unique group of performers has shared a stage to bring the community together and they promise to live up the name A Night To Remember more than ever,” vows organiser and master of ceremonies Big Ian, whose skills as a speaker and host are in demand at such venues as Birmingham NEC and ExCel, London.
“Over the years, these nights have taken community charity gigs to another level as every detail is focused on giving the York audience a night they deserve. No corner is cut for this unique event, from brilliant sound from Craig Rothery, through thought-provoking films on huge video walls, to a 30-piece band.
“On top of that, this year’s concert has been sponsored by Nimbuscare, who have provided invaluable support in putting on this event.”
On song: Another belter from Jess Steel. Picture: Duncan Lomax
The format is “unlike others shows”, says Big Ian, as it requires “everyone to guest on everyone else’s songs with a wall of harmony”.
“No other show has an 83-year age range in performers from 13 to 96 year olds. Previous years saw the line-up take on the near impossible and succeed with Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, despite never playing it together beforehand. Somehow it came together!
“A Night To Remember is like Avengers Assemble as the unlikely bunch have now become more like family after eight years together.”
The A Night To Remember crowd having an unforgettable night at York Barbican
In the 30-piece house band will be members of York party band Huge; Jess Steel; Heather Findlay; Beth McCarthy, on her return to her home city from London; Simon Snaize; Gary Stewart; Graham Hodge; The Y Street Band; Boss Caine; Las Vegas Ken; Kieran O’Malley and young musicians from York Music Forum, all led by George Hall and Ian Chalk.
Singer and choir director Jessa Liversidge will present her inclusive singing group, Singing For All, who previously took part in 2020.
The setlist will take in songs by Kate Bush, Queen, Paul Simon, Wham, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Rod Stewart, The Bee Gees, Elvis Presley, Bill Withers, Take That, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Alanis Morisette.
Heading home: Beth McCarthy at A Night To Remember. Picture: Duncan Lomax
“Now in its eighth outing, A Night To Remember promises to be an evening of singalongs as the city sings with one voice to raise much-needed funds for St Leonard’s Hospice, Bereaved Children Support York and Accessible Arts and Media, who get people with learning difficulties into performing,” says Big Ian.
“This has become the UK’s largest live concert to raise dementia awareness and will be funding some bespoke dementia projects in York, including art classes with York artist Sue Clayton and singing and gardening groups to combat loneliness.”
Big Ian Donaghy with Annie Donaghy, left, Beth McCarthy, Heather Findlay and Jess Steel at A Night To Remember. Picture: Karen Boyes
Two weeks ago, Big Ian took the challenge with four friends to sell 1,000 tickets for the show in one day. “Somehow we achieved it,” he says. “Now we can’t wait to get everyone back together. Expect a night filled with emotion and fantastic music.
“There are some tickets left but be quick to book at www.yorkbarbican.co.uk, and we ask everyone to bring a raffle prize, if possible, and some money for raffle tickets. Who knows how much we can add to the £150,000 we’ve raised since we started these concerts?
“Remember, remember, the 8th of September, not just a night, but A Night To Remember!”
