Celebrated British saxophonist and presenter Jess Gillam brings her star quality to the Royal Concert Hall in the company of the convention-defying Fantasia Orchestra.

With her electrifying performances and vibrant stage presence, Jess has lit up the world’s biggest stages since becoming the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. Equally at home behind the microphone, Jess’s award-winning weekly show, This Classical Life, on BBC Radio 3 is now in its seventh season.

A passionate advocate for her instrument, Jess is the only saxophonist to have signed to Decca Classics. Both her albums have reached No. 1 in the UK Classical Music Charts and her debut album, Rise, was listed in The Times’ Top 100 albums of 2019. She’s been the recipient of a Classic BRIT Award, a The Times Breakthrough Award nominee and was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2021.

Fantasia Orchestra was founded by conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh and is home to some of the best young British classical music talent today. Its debut at the 2024 BBC Proms – broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and BBC 4 – was one of the standout performances of the Festival, winning a host of new admirers with its eclectic mix of music, from Brahms and Bartók to Laura Mvula and Chic. The orchestra’s youthful energy has since been thrilling crowds at numerous festivals across the UK.

Rooted in classical music but taking inspiration from different musical worlds, this concert mixes JS Bach with Kate Bush and Steve Reich with Joni Mitchell in a dazzling display of Jess’s virtuosity and Fantasia’s joyful spirit.

Programme:

JS Bach  Prelude from Partita no. 3 in E major
CPE Bach  Allegro Assai from Concerto in A minor
Bartók  Dances from Transylvannia
MacMillan  Saxophone Concerto
Kate Bush  Jig of Life
Sidney Bechet  Petite Fleur
Reich Electric Counterpoint (movt. III, Fast)
Gershwin  Lullaby
Joni Mitchell  Both Sides Now
Donald Grant  Bha la eile ann
Trad.  Swallowtail Jig
Harle  RANT!
after Benny Goodman  Sing, Sing, Sing