Orphy Robinson is one of the few UK musicians to record for the legendary Blue Note jazz label, and has been a driving force in music for over four decades. His honours include the 2022 Paul Hamlyn Composer Award, the 2020 Jazz FM Gold Award, and an MBE in 2018 for services to music. In 2024 he was appointed Visiting Fellow at Jesus College, University of Cambridge.
Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra (CUJO) is an assemblage of the top student jazz musicians in Cambridge. CUJO prides itself on being a fully student-led ensemble that strives to bring underrated and unique styles of big band music to a public audience.
CUJO’s collaboration with Orphy Robinson will feature a set list that explores the fascinating legacies of iconic vibraphonists like Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, Terry Gibbs, Roy Ayers and a host of contemporary vibists.
A special highlight of the evening will be a deep dive into the Blue Note albums of Bobby Hutcherson, offering an unparalleled perspective on the vibraphone's lasting influence on the jazz world.
more about Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra
Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra (CUJO) is Cambridge's premier vehicle for promoting and performing jazz in the University and beyond.
more about Cambridge Jazz Festival
Since 2014 CJF have celebrated Jazz in all its genres, bringing international masters, national treasures, local talent & audiences together as a vibrant community.
The festival is a celebration of the huge variety of music that jazz encompasses, from gypsy jazz to funk, from jazz poetry and spoken word to hip-hop, from solo artists to big bands and to open jazz up to new audiences, particularly young people, and to give them the chance to get involved as well as come and listen.