Brainchild of our award-winning Artistic Director, Dr Gary Crosby OBE, Nu Civilisation Orchestra (NCO) is our world-class professional orchestra initially established in 2008, as Tomorrow’s Warriors Jazz Orchestra, to provide a platform for one of Gary’s most talented protégés – pianist/composer, Peter Edwards – to recreate Duke Ellington’s exquisite, yet rarely performed, The Queen’s Suite. Such was the enthusiasm of audiences and musicians alike that Crosby felt compelled to establish the Orchestra as a permanent ensemble.
After its inaugural tour in 2009, the name was changed to Nu Civilisation Orchestra to avoid confusion with the youth edition of the Tomorrow’s Warriors Jazz Orchestra and to affirm its professional status. Since then, NCO has built a reputation for excellence and diversity in its members, its repertoire and its artistic collaborations.
Resident at Southbank Centre in the heart of the UK’s capital city as part of the Tomorrow’s Warriors At Southbank Centre weekend residency, the Orchestra loves to delve into the rich archive of enduring classics crafted by some of the greatest jazz composers that ever lived and creates new work in homage to its heroes and heroines. Nonetheless, NCO does not believe that respect for the tradition should restrict its musical outlook. Indeed, Artistic Director Crosby is passionate about enabling young composers and conductors to explore new territory and collaborate cross art form, so that audiences may remain curious and excited about their next NCO experience. The Orchestra also offers an exciting progression route for graduates of Tomorrow’s Warriors Young Artist Development Programme.
Check out some of the exciting artistic projects by NCO. Visit the Nu Civilisation Orchestra website
