The Oxford University Jazz Orchestra or OUJO is an award-winning[1] jazz orchestra based in the University of Oxford, England. OUJO is one of the three official intercollegiate jazz ensembles of Oxford, alongside the Oxford University Big Band and The Donut Kings. Founded in 1991[2] it is the longest-running ensemble of its type in the university.
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The Oxford University Jazz Orchestra was founded by students in the early 1990s, initially as a word-of-mouth, unauditioned group, and later developing into a full-fledged, professional standard big band. Notable alumni from the band include Canadian jazz vocalist Diane Nalini[2], trumpeter and NYJO musical director Mark Armstrong,[3] saxophonists Carlos Lopez Real and Idris Rahman, and ENO conductor Steve Higgins
OUJO has been a multiple-time winner at the BBC Big Band Competition [1], and has performed at the Oeuf de Jazz Festival in Le Mans, the OK! Celebrity Ball in London, and the Bull's Head jazz venue in Barnes, west London[2], as well as countless Oxford venues including the Regal, the Jacqueline du Pré music building, and the Oxford Union.
In 2002, OUJO recorded the live LP Know Where You Are.[4] The album featured special guest saxophonist Peter King. The orchestra has since made several recordings, including the recent "New York" EP, and an upcoming EP and album release.
In recent years, OUJO has performed at the Glasgow International Jazz Festival and performed jazz legend Kenny Wheeler's Sweet Time Suite at St Barnabas Church, Oxford, earning the praise of the composer. The band has also run open jazz workshops for University students.
OUJO performs regularly on the Oxford ball circuit, including at the famous Commemoration balls, having shared stages with major recording artists such as The Streets and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.[5]. The band represents Oxford annually in a Varsity ‘jazzoff’ match against the Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra,[6] its Cambridge equivalent. The group plays a musically diverse repertoire ranging from big band swing classics to contemporary and original compositions, as well as new arrangements of popular songs.
In 2010 OUJO went on tour to New York City, performing at multiple venues including a performance for the Hudson Union Society at the Russian Tea Room[7] and as part of the "After Work" series in Bryant Park[8].