Boston Youth Jazz Orchestra '˜dazzle' at Royal Albert Hall

The Boston Youth Jazz Orchestra (BYJO) recently played at London’s Royal Albert Hall as part of the Music for Youth Prom for a second year in a row.

The event saw 3,000 of the UK’s brightest young musicians share the stage at the iconic venue over three nights.

BYJO performed twice on the prom’s opening night, taking to the stage as the final act on the programme, before helping to wrap up the evening as part of a grand finale featuring a newly-commissioned anthem.

BYJO is part of the Lincolnshire Music Service, for which Lee Hextall is area manager.

Mr Hextall, who leads BYJO, said the troupe ‘did Boston proud’, adding: “I can honestly say it was one of the proudest moments of my life.

“Their performance was dazzling as they representing Boston in a national music event on arguably the most iconic stage in the country.

“The compere, Pete Latenka, made the point that it wasn’t just an evening of the finest youth musicians in the country, it was, in fact, putting youth aside, an evening of simply the finest musicians in the country.”

BYJO’s 31 members were chosen from 40,000 young musicians nationally to be at the prom after impressing in the Music for Youth regional and national festivals.

Mr Hextall added: “I am biased but I thought our young people were simply the best and wish to congratulate each and every young person involved for their hard work and dedication.

“Also, a big thank you must go out for the help and support we receive from parents, schools, teachers and headteachers, without which this achievement would not be possible.”

For more on BYJO, including pictures and videos from the show, visit www.facebook.com/bostonareayouthmusic.