The Grand Union Youth Orchestra is unique for providing opportunities to learn, perform, develop improvisation skills and general musicianship not generally offered by other ensembles or music institutions. 

Masterclasses and workshops are led by the Grand Union Orchestrra’s distinguished roster of professional musicians, born or brought up in all major musical traditions worldwide.

Membership is free, open to musicians aged 12-26 and there are no auditions.

Players of non-Western instruments are especially welcome.

The Youth Orchestra (GUYO) meets generally on the second Sunday of the month from 10.00am until 1.30pm at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA

To sign up email josh@grandunion.org.uk

  • Take part in regular high-profile performances

  • Work alongside leading professional musicians

  • Discover new instruments and develop improvisation skills

  • Learn about world music, first hand, from experts

  • Meet and create with like-minded young musicians

The Youth Orchestra gives regular public performances at prestigious East London venues such as Rich Mix, Hackney Empire, Wilton’s Music Hall, and Stratford Circus, as well as summer festivals and carnival processions.

Many members of the Youth Orchestra graduate to the Grand Union Re:Generation Band, for aspiring professional musicians.

We’re currently seeking funders for GUYO - watch this space!

The Grand Union Youth Orchestra repertoire is continually developing and expanding. It includes material adapted from Tony Haynes’s compositions for Grand Union Orchestra, arrangements of world music standards, and contributions from Orchestra members themselves.

Youth Orchestra members’ cultural backgrounds include Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy, India, Bangladesh, the Caribbean, South Africa, East Africa, China, and England.

Grand Union Youth Orchestra is funded by: