JAZZ is on the agenda as an orchestra returns with a free live concert.

The Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra is staging a free concert tomorrow, at the New Rickstones Academy in Witham.

After last performing live in March 2020, it is the first time the band is back in front of an audience for more than a year.

Led by resident director Martin Hathaway, the young musicians within the group are excited to be sharing their new music with an audience agaon after such a long time away.

Musicians in the orchestra are from across the county.

They play a wide range of instruments, including saxophone, double bass, trombone, and drums.

Essex Music Service ensembles officer Beverley Heard said: “I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the young musicians to get back to playing together after such a long break.

“We had record numbers auditioning for our jazz programme this year and some real emerging talent will be heard at this concert.”

The Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra allows advanced musicians to develop jazz knowledge and improvisation skills by playing a wide range of genres, ranging from big band standards to contemporary and modern composers.

Before the Covid pandemic, it had performed in many different venues across Essex, including studio theatres, jazz clubs and churches.

The Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra will also be joining the Essex Youth Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Essex Youth Brass Ensemble for a tour to Prague in August 2022.

However, before they jet off for a tour across continents, they will be playing closer to home this weekend.

The free concert is tomorrow, Saturday December 18, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at the New Rickstones Academy on Conrad Road in Witham.

To find out more or to see previous performances by the group, visit essexmusichub.org.