BBC Big Band

Widely acknowledged as the United Kingdom’s most distinguished jazz ensemble, the BBC Big Band has secured the Best Big Band Award at the British Jazz Awards on six separate occasions. The group maintains an active presence on BBC Radio, specifically through the long-standing Big Band Special series on Radio 2. Under the guidance of Musical Director Barry Forgie, who has led the group since 1977, and American trombonist Jiggs Whigham, the ensemble continues to define the standard for professional big band performance. Their extensive history includes collaborations with legendary artists such as Tony Bennett, Amy Winehouse, Van Morrison, and Ray Charles. Beyond their regular concert season at London’s Cadogan Hall, the ensemble is a frequent guest at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall and has performed internationally as far as Mexico alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Their repertoire is exceptionally vast, moving seamlessly from traditional Rat Pack favourites and screen hits to contemporary jazz arrangements. In addition to high-profile performances, the ensemble is committed to educational and community outreach, frequently partnering with Birmingham Town Hall to support local student musicians. Audiences book the BBC Big Band for their unparalleled musical versatility, world-class precision, and the unique prestige they bring to the concert stage. On stage, BBC Big Band is best known for talks on Jazz Music, Big Band Performance and Entertainment. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Their work resonates with leaders across Entertainment and Music, where the themes translate directly into team decisions, customer experience and growth strategy. BBC Big Band is regularly booked for Performers and Entertainer and After Dinner Speaker, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. Based in UK, BBC Big Band travels internationally for engagements. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how BBC Big Band would approach your audience.