WELL-KNOWN throughout the world as a glittering showcase for the country's best young musicians, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra makes its first appearance at the Great Hall at Lancaster University next Thursday, February 5 (7.30pm), as part of the popular Lancaster International Concert Series.

In July 2002, NYJO was voted best big band for the 4th time in the British Jazz Awards by both the critics and the general public. Founder and musical director Bill Ashton also received the BBC Radio 2 Jazz Award in 1995 for his Services to Jazz.

Under Bill, the orchestra has performed hundreds of concerts all over the UK, ranging from Ronnie Scott's, the Barbican, Symphony Hall Birmingham, Usher Hall Edinburgh, the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall, to theatres, clubs and schools.

As well as live gigs on home turf, the jazz ensemble has played most European countries, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, performed on radio and television and recorded around 40 albums.

The Lancaster concert features a pre-concert talk at 6.45pm.

To book a seat, call 0800-028-3042.