Following a year of internal changes, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra has appointed Susie York Skinner as the charity’s new CEO to oversee a new future vision and a ‘refreshed’ London Academy.
A statement from NYJO reads: ‘We acknowledge that much more can be done to nurture talent from all of our communities, generating a more powerful creative output as a result.’
Skinner takes over from Nigel Tully who will continue as chair, a role he has combined with that of chief executive officer for 12 years.
Ahead of her appointment on 1 July, Skinner said: ‘I am delighted to be joining NYJO at a moment of such compelling and positive change, as the charity harnesses past achievements to steer a dynamic new course.
‘I am excited to be establishing firm roots for the organisation within the community at our new home in Woolwich, while continuing to nurture our network of Academies across the country.’
She added: ‘There is already so much to celebrate and admire in NYJO’s work - I can’t wait to be part of it, and to work with my new colleagues as we make this national jazz community truly representative and inclusive for professional and aspiring musicians from all walks of life.’
Also announced is the appointment of a new team of educators, including three additions to the NYJO LDN team delivering a programme of projects for young people in Greenwich, Lewisham and Woolwich.
Earlier this year, NYJO moved into its first permanent headquarters, Woolwich Works on the Royal Arsenal, South-East London. Joining them are several other performing arts companies including Chineke! Orchestra, Luca Silvestrini’s Protein, Punchdrunk, and the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair.
Claire Furlong, head of learning and participation, said: ‘I’m counting down the days to when we can see young musicians finally flood through the gates of our new London home and work with this fantastic new team of music leaders. I have no doubt that they’ll inspire greatness from the new generation of young jazz musicians coming through the NYJO Academy and I can’t wait to hear the results.’
NYJO Academy LDN will offer weekly London-based access to large ensemble rehearsals, jazz vocal training, and improvisation and aural training for young musicians of mixed abilities every Saturday. More information about the music directors can be found here.
Skinner will report to NYJO’s board of eight trustees, which, having undergone an overhaul in 2020, includes 50 per cent female board members and three black board members.
