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Adopt a Composer

In 2006 the SLJO was one of only six music groups in the country to receive an Adopt-a-Composer Award, run jointly by Making Music and the Society for the Promotion of New Music (SPNM). It is the first time it has been awarded to a jazz orchestra.

The composer Philip Venables has been paired with us, and is working with our band over about six months in creating a jazz piece specially for us.

The idea is for the band members to contribute their thoughts on the music as it develops, and for the parts to be tailored specifically to the range of instruments and talents available within the ensemble.

A mentor is also provided to keep us on course during the creative process. It is a new experience for us all, and a very exciting and stimulating one.

We are very proud to have won this Award, and to have been paired with a composer who has a most impressive list of new works, performed by such eminent groups as the London Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Rambert.

The new music will be premiered at the 2007 Dulwich Festival.

The gig is on Saturday evening, May 19th, at St Faith's Community Centre, Red Post Hill SE24. Further details of the programme will be available shortly.