Ethno England 2005

Ethno England 2005 took place in York as part of the global Ethno programme by Jeunesses Musicales International. Hosted by York St John University, the ten-day residency brought together around 20 young musicians from different countries to form a collaborative “transglobal big band” through peer-to-peer exchange.

Rooted in oral tradition, participants taught each other traditional tunes by ear, creating a level playing field across cultures. Alongside rehearsals and informal jam sessions, the musicians led workshops in local schools and migrant centres, extending the programme’s intercultural mission into the wider community. The residency concluded with public performances featuring collectively arranged folk and world music shaped by the diverse instruments and traditions of the group.