“An extraordinary collective of musicians from around the world, playing wondrous music by composer Tony Haynes.”
“a powerfully diverse band with an optimistic message. These musicians have honed their skills and collaborated as a family for 40 years and their chemistry is one to immerse yourself in.”
Tony Haynes 1941-2024
With deep sorrow we announce the death of Tony Haynes, Grand Union’s Composer and Creative Director for over 40 years. We feel honoured to have worked with him, and to have shared in his imagination and vision.
We are truly grateful for the huge legacy of intercultural music and songs he dedicated his working life to, and will never forget our inspirational founder and treasured friend.
The Grand Union ‘family’ looks forward to keeping Tony’s creative flame burning as we go into the future with him watching from the wings.
40th anniversary Film
The central event of the Grand Union Orchestra's 40th Anniversary celebrations was a spectacular show at the Hackney Empire Theatre in London. Performed by 30 musicians and singers (some of them members since the beginning!), it was a kind of retrospective drawing on the astonishing range of original music Tony Haynes has written for the Orchestra over the years.
We have now produced a film to give those who may not have had the opportunity to experience the Grand Union Orchestra in live performance a real sense of its energy and spontaneity, deeply moving songs and spirited choruses.
Large-scale shows
BBC commissions
Open air festivals
Participatory shows
Education projects
Outdoor performances
Shows abroad
Community projects
Small group performances