Gwilym Simcock goes on orchestral manoeuvres with SNJO

Commenting on the collaboration Scottish National Jazz Orchestra director, saxophonist Tommy Smith, said: “When I heard Gwilym playing a solo piano concert, I was transfixed by his sheer genius and loved every minute,” Smith says. Simcock, who belatedly celebrated his 40th birthday by appearing with the Royal Academy Jazz Orchestra in a concert of his own music in December and has been commissioned to write new music for the tour.

“It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to write for such a brilliant, world-famous ensemble,” adds Simcock. “As a composer, you want your music realised to the highest level, so I’m extremely excited to create this programme of music especially for the SNJO.” The tour, for which the SNJO will be augmented by the experienced, Glasgowbased American percussionist Steve Forman and guitarist Graeme Stephen, opens at The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh (27 April) with additional dates at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (28 Apr); Gardyne Theatre, Dundee (29 Apr), and an International Jazz Day performance at the Music Hall, Aberdeen (30 Apr).

For more info visit www.snjo.co.uk