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The Syd Lawrence Orchestra is 53 years young!



The Syd Lawrence Orchestra is 53 years old this year and they're celebrating this occasion with a new YouTube channel.

Founded in 1967 by trumpeter and arranger Syd Lawrence, The fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra has been thrilling audiences in concert halls, theatres, television shows, and music festivals all over Great Britain and Continental Europe for over 50 years.

Renowned for its exciting blend of high octane big band swing and classic dance music, the Orchestra’s repertoire ranges from the wartime million sellers of the legendary Glenn Miller through the era of the great Count Basie Orchestra to the hit songs of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. 

Count Basie himself described the Syd Lawrence Orchestra as “So good it should be BANNED!”. 

Hits from the Great American Songbooks of George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael, Irving Berlin and singers Frank Sinatra, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Sammy Davis Jr, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, Matt Monro, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Barbara Streisand, etc are also featured in the programme.

Musical Director Chris Dean believes in leading the Orchestra with pace and good humour, performing the classics of the swing era in a way that entertains the audience. “The music is what people want to hear” says Chris, “information they can get in books, they come to a concert to be entertained, not to hear a lecture”.

Chris' aim has been to increase the number of young musicians playing Big Band Swing. Recent changes in the personnel of the Orchestra have proved the worth of this ambition. The “new blood” of some of today’s finest young jazz musicians has brought a new fire and drive to the Orchestra’s performances which have been reflected in rave reviews and numerous Sold Out concerts.

Here's how you can find out more about The Syd Lawrence Orchestra

  • Check out The Syd Lawrence Orchestra's YouTube channel
  • Enjoy the Christmas Special show released on YouTube on 21st December
  • Book your ticket to their concert at Kings Theatre Southsea on 9th February

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