Latest news with #GlasgowJazzFestival2025
The Herald Scotland
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Jazz star quits orchestra after being sacked by Conservatoire
The Mail on Sunday reported that the 58-year-old was told to stay away from classes at the Glasgow institution after the allegations came to light. Confirming his dismissal, a spokesperson for RCS told The Herald last week: "RCS has robust policies in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.' One of the world's leading saxophonists, Smith was awarded an OBE for services to jazz in the 2019 New Year honours list. READ MORE: Leading jazz musician sacked by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Orchestra statement after jazz star sacked from Conservatoire role Glasgow Jazz Festival 2025 wraps with packed shows A presence on the global jazz scene since his teenage years, Edinburgh-born Smith has gone on to record with definitive jazz label Blue Note and work with myriad jazz greats, including Chick Corea and Dame Cleo Laine. He established the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra in 1995 and ensured its progress until funding began in 1998. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra said: "The Board of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra has formally accepted Tommy Smith's resignations from the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra Board and as its Artistic Director. "We thank Tommy for his enormous contribution to Jazz - in Scotland, the UK and beyond. His work in building up the SNJO, TSYJO and the RCS Jazz Education programme has nurtured an amazing talent base of musicians and created a lasting legacy for Jazz in Scotland. "Building on this foundation, we are well-placed to deliver our planned 2025-26 programmes with interim artistic direction from Senior Orchestra members, Alumni and an extensive roster of visiting bandleaders and arrangers, while we search for his replacement."
Glasgow Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Sold-out shows and big energy at Glasgow Jazz 2025
The event, running from June 19 to 22, showcased a dynamic mix of legendary performers, rising stars, album launches, and community events across Glasgow. With more than 200 musicians taking part in over 35 performances, the festival saw an increase in audience size compared to 2023, with several shows selling out. Brian Jackson (Image: knkography) The festival offered a wide range of events, including free jam sessions, one-off collaborations, a children's music workshop, and a book reading. The festival has supported the music industry's gender equality initiative, Keychange, since 2017, and this year, 75 per cent of performances included female artists. Read more: 'We blew it' - Bernardo admits to shock Portugal Euro U21s defeat Glasgow man violently raped 'much younger' woman, causing injury Paesano news, interviews and updates on the pizzeria chain Jill Rodger, director of the Glasgow Jazz Festival, said: "The 39th Glasgow Jazz Festival has been one to remember – from packed venues to incredible performances, the energy brought by both artists and audiences has been wonderful. "Our commitment to inclusivity, giving young and emerging talent a platform, and celebrating all genres of jazz, are at the heart of what we do. (Image: Campbell Skinner) "I want to personally thank everyone who played a part in making this festival such a success. "We're already looking forward to what's in store for our very special 40th edition. "See you next year, Glasgow." The Glasgow Jazz Festival 2025 was supported by Creative Scotland and the Glasgow 850 Festivals Fund. The festival is set to return for its 40th edition in June 2026. For more information, visit
