The BBC Young Jazz Musician competition, now in its tenth year, returns to spotlight the next generation of British jazz talent. This year’s final, held at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, features four exceptional young musicians vying for the prestigious title.
Saxophonist George Johnson, bassist Ursula Harrison, pianist Nils Kavanagh, and trumpeter Klara Devlin represent a diverse range of styles and approaches within the jazz idiom. Each finalist will perform a set with the support of a seasoned rhythm section: Zoe Rahman (piano), Alec Dankworth (bass), and Sophie Alloway (drums), allowing them to fully showcase their individual musicality and improvisational skills.
The competition will be judged by a distinguished panel of jazz luminaries: Nikki Yeoh, Soweto Kinch, Laura Jurd, Jasper Høiby, and Zara McFarlane. Their combined expertise and experience ensures a rigorous and insightful evaluation of the finalists’ performances. Hosts YolanDa Brown and Huw Stephens will guide viewers through the evening, offering context and commentary on the music.
The BBC Young Jazz Musician competition has a proven track record of identifying and nurturing emerging talent. Past winners and finalists have gone on to achieve significant success in the jazz world and beyond, and this year’s competition promises to be no exception. The program will be broadcast on BBC Four and made available on BBC iPlayer shortly after. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the future of British jazz.
The episode airs on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 9:00 PM on BBC Four.
