Read on for an introduction to the composer, arranger and conductor Jules Buckley, who’s set to light up the 2024 BBC Proms twice with his eponymous orchestra.
Who is Jules Buckley?
If you’ve seen or heard one of the funkier, more contemporary concerts at the BBC Proms in recent years, chances are it featured the British conductor and arranger, Jules Buckley. Born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire in 1980, he is one of the most dynamic and interesting musicians around at the moment, and someone who likes to break down genre boundaries.
Does Jules Buckley have his own ensembles?
Yes. In 2024, Jules and Chris Wheeler co-founded the Heritage Orchestra, who perform a tasty mix of mainstream, experimental and cult music. The ensemble consists can number between 25 and 65 members at any time, and has graced the likes of the Sydney Opera House, the Hollywood Bowl, and London’s O2.
In 2008, Buckley became principal guest conductor of the Metropole Orkest in The Netherlands, whose repertoire centres on jazz but also explores more eclectic territories. In 2020, he became creative artist-in-residence with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and also stood in for Clemency Burton-Hill as presenter of BBC Radio 3’s programme Classical Fix.
Jules Buckley at the Proms
Buckley still serves as artist-in-residence with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He’s also formed his own ensemble, the Jules Buckley Orchestra. He’ll be conducting both orchestras at the 2024 BBC Proms.
The Proms are already a happy hunting ground for Buckley. He has previously overseen a Quincy Jones Prom (2016), a New York Now Prom (2018) and a Nina Simone Prom (2019), two with the Metropole Orkest and one with the Heritage Orchestra. In 2021, he appeared with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Genre-defying Ghanaian-American musician Moses Sumney, and also alongside UK pop royalty Boy George and Paul Weller.
Does Jules Buckley play an instrument?
He does; in fact he originally imagined a career as a jazz trumpeter. He learned the instrument as a child, played in the Aylesbury Music Centre Dance Band and went on to study trumpet at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. While he was studying he decided to switch to composition… and then he also embraced arranging and conducting.
Hasn’t he worked with some famous musicians?
You betcha. Aside from the legendary Quincy Jones, with whom he has worked on a number of live shows, Jules has teamed up with various artists in concert and on recordings. Massive Attack, Laura Mvula, Jamie Cullum, Jessie Ware, Caro Emerald, Pete Tong, Emelie Sandé, Jacob Collier… they’re all on Jules’s speed dial (well, we imagine).
What about awards and chart success?
Jules Buckley is a Grammy winner! The album he worked on with Snarky Puppy, Sylva, won an award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2016. And in 2020 a track he collaborated on with Jacob Collier won an award… He did get to No. 1 in the album charts back in 2016 with Pete Tong.
So there must be some great recordings of Jules Buckley?
Oh yes; some great listening to be found – here’s a selection of some of the best…
Laura Mvula with Metropole Orkest
Conducted by Jules Buckley at Abbey Road Studios
Classic House: Pete Tong with the Heritage Orchestra
Conducted by Jules Buckley
Jacob Collier: Djesse Vol. 1 with Metropole Orkest and Jules Buckley
Jules Buckley at the 2024 BBC Proms
As we mentioned, Buckley is looking in at the 2024 BBC Proms twice. First, on Wednesday 24 July, he conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra in an orchestral celebration of the music of the great, gone-too-soon folk singer Nick Drake.
Then, on Wednesday 11 September, he returns to conduct his own Jules Buckley Orchestra. They’re accompanying indie band Florence and The Machine in a symphonic rendition of their wildly popular 2009 breakthrough album Lungs.