“Grand Union Orchestra is a powerfully diverse and rich band with an optimistic message. These musicians have honed their skills and collaborated as a family for 40 years and their chemistry and energy is one to immerse yourself in.” - Rhythm Passport

Grand Union Orchestra is delighted to bring their 40th anniversary year to a joyous close with a celebratory performance at Shoreditch Town Hall.  An evening featuring all the Grand Union’s much-loved star performers - extraordinary singers and musicians from every major global musical tradition will take the stage alongside promising new artists from the next generation.

Grand Union Orchestra’s last major show at Shoreditch Town Hall, in 2018, “Uncharted Crossings”  created an extraordinary and vibrant atmosphere in telling the backstory of the Empire Windrush.

“I had an incredible evening watching Grand Union’s ‘Uncharted Crossings’ at Shoreditch Town Hall. Diversity, varied musical traditions and ideas, collaboration and passion all on stage, celebrating & responding to the legacy of Windrush” - Mayor Philip Glanville, London Borough of Hackney 

This 40^th Anniversary celebration has an even greater global reach. The artists – many of them first-generation migrants themselves – have personal experience of the events portrayed in the classic shows. In songs and music by Tony Haynes, they also contribute a wealth of musical flavours: Chinese and Bengali folksong; Indian ragas; South African township music; West African drumming and chant; the infectious dance rhythms of samba and salsa, soca and ska with stunning jazz improvisation…

“With its unlikely combination of global influences and big-band jazz, Grand Union Orchestra has always occupied a category of its own.. the variety is endless” - The Guardian

Covid-19 Safety Measures

We will be taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of everyone in the building. Whilst at the Town Hall you must abide by all Covid-19 Safety Measures in place, which you can find here.