George Johnson (Class of 2023) has been striking a chord with his success in the music industry. He is one of four finalists for the coveted BBC Young Jazz Musician 2024 Award, with hopes that he and his saxophone can make it to the top! 

During his time at Latymer, George often performed at events such as Music at Latymer, Pop, Jazz & All That, the Gala - with his wonderful saxophone impressing the audience and making it a night to remember. 

His love and passion for music led him to study jazz at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he can blossom into the wonderful player that he is. George has performed at many jazz socials and concerts, collaborating with many distinguished musicians, such as Dankworth prize-winning composer/pianist Lior Solomons-Wise and composes his own music.

With this plethora of skills and experience under his belt, we are thrilled that George is a finalist for the BBC Young Jazz Musician Award. George will have to compete with three other musicians, with each of them performing a set-in front of a live audience and backed by three of the leading jazz musicians Zoe Rahman, Alec Dankworth, and Sophie Alloway. Each set will be judged by a formidable judging panel consisting of pianist, bandleader, and educator Nikki Yeoh; saxophonist, MC, and producer Soweto Kinch; award-winning trumpeter Laura Jurd; bassist, composer, and band leader Jasper Høiby; and vocalist and composer Zara McFarlane. 

We encourage that you tune in and show support to our former Latymerian. You can book tickets online for the final which will take place on Saturday 23rd November 2024 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall or watch it on BBC Four on Sunday 24th November at 9pm.

If you want to support him further you can check his Instagram account @geor.ge.jh, where he frequently uploads his musical involvements. 

The Latymer community wishes George all the best this Saturday!