Grand Union Orchestra

Melagomania!

Grand Union's programme for late spring/early summer sees the Orchestra immersed in the music of South Asia - a week-long tour of Bangladesh (April), a commission for Tower Hamlets Boishakhi Mela featuring well-known Bangladeshi singers with the Orchestra (May), performances by sarod virtuoso Shahadat Hossein Khan with the Orchestra and Bangla Band (May/June), workshops and performances by the Grand Union Youth Orchestra of East London (June/July)...

Details will be added to the Events page as dates are confirmed.

What is the Grand Union Orchestra?

For 25 years there has been no other musical organisation on the planet quite like the Grand Union Orchestra. We bring together some of the best musicians and singers from musical cultures from all over the world to:

Above all, Grand Union celebrates the energy and creative possibilities of today’s multiracial society.

What are Grand Union shows like?

We perform in three main ensembles:

We also record our music regularly and broadcast it widely.

What does the Grand Union sound like?

Some of the elements that go into our melting pot are:

  • African drumming and chant
  • exuberant Latin and Caribbean rhythms
  • Bhangra and the classical music of India and Bangladesh
  • township brass and Brazilian street percussion
  • haunting Turkish and Arabic strings
  • evocative sounds of the Andes
  • ancient Chinese opera and ancestral instruments
  • European harmony and spell-binding voices
  • stunning jazz improvisation
  • heart-stopping big-band blues


Latest news

On Liberation Street

With nearly 150 performers on stage, the Hackney Empire show was a huge success with audiences and media alike; highlights and a full report will follow...

Bangladesh project

Dates have just been confirmed for a major new collaboration with Bangladeshi musicians.

Inspire Mark

The Grand Union Youth Orchestra of East London has just been awarded 2012's Inspire Mark for its contribution to the Cultural Olympiad.