During the Easter Holidays, Tomorrow’s Warriors enjoyed an incredibly successful project working with the National Orchestra for All (NOFA), culminating in a classical-meets-jazz extravaganza in the packed Duke’s Hall, at Royal Academy of Music. Sixteen Junior and Youth Warriors joined forces with NOFA and players from Kuumba Youth Music and Junior Royal Academy to form an 80+ strong orchestra playing a mixed programme including work by Grieg, Bernstein and Duke Ellington.
The full orchestra only met for the first time the day before, yet the sound they created was nothing less than incredible. Youth Warrior Joe Linton was invited to speak as part of the concert, and said “It’s great to play in such a huge orchestra. It’s been a really fun few days. I’ve met loads of other young people with a passion for music, who are good musicians and nice people too!”
The concert finale saw our own maestro, Peter Edwards conduct the World Premiere of 1001 Nights in Havana by Nathan Theodoulou. This was a specially adapted re-write of a piece that Nathan had previously scored for NOFA and really showcased how jazz and classical music can blend to create something quite extraordinary.
Tomorrow’s Warriors tenor saxophonist, Nubya Garcia was the featured soloist and clearly loved every second! As the musicians bounced off stage it was obvious what a great time they had all had during the project. Artistic Director Gary Crosby was also beaming; “Two days isn’t much time even for top professionals to get it together…I expected it to be good, but not THIS good! It was awesome!!”
We are very excited what the future might hold for further projects between NOFA and Tomorrow’s Warriors. We would also like to say a huge well done to all the young musicians who took part, particularly to some of our Junior Warriors who were performing with us for the first time. You all did yourselves and us proud!!!
TOMORROW'S WARRIORS 