Celebrating 20 Years of Take Five

Take Five, our flagship talent development scheme, is marking an incredible 20 years of nurturing emerging jazz and improvisational artists in the UK. Since its launch, Take Five has grown into a cornerstone for UK jazz, providing early- to mid-career musicians with invaluable mentorship, training, and opportunities. The scheme’s focus has remained on cultivating a more inclusive, innovative jazz scene, supporting diverse talent, and fostering community impact.

Take Five’s efforts over the past two decades have empowered composers, band leaders, and performers through comprehensive workshops, online seminars, and residencies. Many of its alumni have risen to prominence, contributing significantly to jazz's evolution in the UK and beyond. Notable artists, such as Nubya Garcia, Seb Rochford and Yazz Ahmed, have credited Take Five as integral to their growth in the jazz community.

In February 2025 we delivered the 20th edition of Take Five for a cohort of 8 new artists, with a week of industry-focused masterclasses followed by a week-long residency at Cats Abbey in the Cotswolds where artists will come together to make new music and refine performance techniques.

Your support has made this journey possible and as we look ahead to the next 20 years, we’re inviting you to be part of the future of UK jazz! Donate today and help us empower the next generation of jazz talent for the next 20 years and beyond!

The Evolution of UK Jazz – 20 Years On ft. Camilla George and Shabaka

On Wednesday 19 November 2025, Take Five will honour the past two-decades with a landmark anniversary concert during the EFG London Jazz Festival. This one-night-only world premiere of two revolutionary voices of British Jazz at the Barbican as part of EFG London Jazz Festival. The show will premiere brand-new compositions by Shabaka Hutchings and Camilla George, performed alongside an all-star ensemble of past Take Five artists. Lulu Manning, Xhosa Cole, Claire Victoria Roberts and Connor McAuley opens the evening with Poesis. The performance will be under the musical direction of acclaimed composer and current Take Five Musical Director Jason Yarde, and will also include a specially selected piece by renowned saxophonist and composer John Surman, who served as the programme’s Musical Director from 2005 to 2017.

This anniversary will serve as both a celebration and a fundraiser, supporting Take Five's continued work to shape the next generation of jazz talent.

Purchase our VIP supporter ticket as part of our Thursday pre-sale which includes a donation to Take Five, as well as access to the best seats in the house and an invitation to join the Take Five community in raising a glass of champagne at a pre-concert reception. The total cost is £100 (plus booking fee) which includes £35 for the face-value of the ticket plus a £65 donation towards Take Five.

General tickets will be on sale Friday 11 July.